The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is urging motorists to use caution as blizzard conditions are expected in eastern portions of the state Wednesday night and Thursday. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Warning for eastern North Dakota from 6 pm Wednesday to noon CST on Thursday, January 24. According to NWS “widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce the visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.”

NDDOT snow plows will be out into the evening and then again in the early morning hours. Snow plows do not run 24 hours a day and motorists are urged to travel safely and take necessary precautions.

“Know Before You Go” by checking road conditions BEFORE you travel. Check the Travel Information Map or call 511. Let someone know when you depart, your route, and expected arrival time. Do not leave without a full fuel tank.

Never use cruise control on wet or ice roadways.

Passing trucks may create snow fog. This greatly reduces your visibility.

Turn on your lights. This will increase your visibility to other motorists and snowplow operators.

Carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle: warm clothing, footwear, shovel, energy food, etc.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in a snowstorm, stay with the vehicle! Most deaths occur when people leave their vehicles and get lost.

The NDDOT also issues travel warnings on state highways and interstates. These warnings should be taken seriously and are for the safety of the traveling public. There are three categories you should familiarize yourself with:

Travel Alert- Motorists can still travel but may encounter areas of challenging winter weather driving conditions on roadways.

No Travel Advisory- Motorists should NOT TRAVEL due to hazardous conditions which make it unsafe to travel.

Road Closed or Blocked- Motorists are not allowed to travel on closed roads due to life threatening conditions.

Be prepared for winter travel. To learn more about winter driving safety or road condition information please visit www.dot.nd.gov.