A fast-moving winter storm swept through the upper Midwest, bringing with it snow, ice, strong winds, and bitter cold. The storm caused disruptions in traffic, with North Dakota officials even shutting down an interstate highway due to hazardous conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for large areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Snow-covered and treacherous interstates led to several accidents, resulting in injuries but fortunately no reported deaths.
Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, experienced intensified snowfall, leading to slow-moving traffic during the Thursday morning rush hour. North Dakota faced blustery winds of up to 50 mph and snowfall totals under 6 inches, making roads dangerous.
In North Dakota, a crash involving a truck, van, and SUV resulted in 15 injuries, with five being serious. Freezing rain added to the slippery conditions, prompting the North Dakota Highway Patrol to issue a 'no travel advisory.'
A 50-mile stretch of Interstate 94 in North Dakota was closed for about 90 minutes due to impassable road conditions caused by snow and ice. The closure affected commercial motor vehicles, many of which became stuck in the hilly Badlands area.
Wisconsin and Minnesota were also expected to receive significant snowfall, with gusty winds creating the potential for whiteout conditions. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport experienced delays and groundings of flights due to the inclement weather.
Despite the challenging conditions, some residents remained undeterred. One individual in Bismarck, preparing for a trip to Denver, expressed excitement and readiness for the journey, equipped with snow tires and a winter survival kit.
While the snowfall was overdue in some areas, the forecast for the upper Midwest leading up to Christmas indicates a snow-free period with temperatures rising above freezing early next week.
