Winter storm hits southern half of ND (Update)

Update: 4:30  PM:

Many roads that were closed because of a winter storm have re-opened.

North Dakota’s DOT and the State Patrol say I-29 from Grand Forks to the South Dakota border re-opened at 2:00 PM… as did I-94 from Bismarck to Jamestown.

The stretch of I-94 from West Fargo to Jamestown re-opened at 4:30 PM.

Meanwhile, the DOT says Traill County is under a travel alert, which means motorists may travel, but be aware of changing conditions.

A travel alert has been removed for Griggs and Steele Counties.

= =

Update 1:25 PM:

North Dakota’s DOT and the State Patrol say I-29 from Grand Forks to the South Dakota border is scheduled to re-open at 2:00 PM.

Also slated to re-open at that time… I-94 from Bismarck to Jamestown… State Highway 13 from I-29 to Wahpeton… U.S. Highway 52 from Harvey to Jamestown… and U.S. Highway 281 from Jamestown to the South Dakota border

Meanwhile, at 4:30 PM … I-94 is scheduled to re-open from West Fargo to Jamestown.

Authorities say … just because the road is open does not necessarily mean the road is clear. Motorists should slow down… allow plenty of time… and drive for conditions.  

= =

Original post:

The North Dakota Department of Transportation and the North Dakota Highway Patrol have CLOSED Interstate 94 from Bismarck to Fargo. I-29 south of Grand Forks is closed. The closure is due to snow and blowing snow causing very icy roads and areas of zero visibility. These highways are impassible or blocked due to high winds and drifting snow.
Motorists are not allowed to travel on a closed road due to life threatening conditions. Motorists who drive past a road closure device may be fined up to $250.

Due to poor road conditions, the North Dakota Capitol and other state offices in the will open at 10 a.m. today.  All committee meetings of the Legislative Assembly scheduled for this morning are  postponed. Legislative leaders anticipate hearings scheduled for this afternoon will be held as planned if weather conditions improve.

West Fargo has measured 9.5 inches of snow as of this morning.