Law enforcement cautions drivers due to high winds and icy roads

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Since early Tuesday morning, road conditions have been treacherous for many drivers. With many reports of cars sliding off the roads and crashing.

“Traffic speeds are really, really reduced. We’re having trouble keeping some of those vehicles on the roadway. Our troopers are responding to a bunch of jackknifed semis, and vehicles are spinning off the road. Especially in those hilly areas and those curve areas where people are just driving a little too fast for conditions, or the roads are just so, so slick that it doesn’t matter how fast you’re driving, you can’t keep traction on the roadway,” said Captain Bryan Niewind, North Dakota Highway Patrol.

According to Niewind, traffic has been lighter compared to a normal day. As the weather forecasts high wind warnings and winter storm advisories. In several counties in North Dakota and Clay and Wilkin counties in Minnesota, a mixture of high winds from 25 to 35 mph is expected until Wednesday. With other parts of northwest Minnesota and northeast and
Southeast North Dakota is expecting snow up to seven inches with ice.

“Across the state of North Dakota, we’re seeing variations of rain falling, almost like a spring rain storm, to freezing rain and sleet, and snow falling. It really kind of depends upon what that temperature is in those certain areas,” said Niewind.

As of Tuesday morning, Minnesota Highway Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow said conditions had not been as bad compared to last night, but they are on standby for any changes.

“You are responsible, be accountable, you yourself might be a very good, very safe, smart driver, but we do share the roadways with other people, maybe not making the smartest choices, some people with limited skills. So, again, share the road, take your time, increase your following distance, and listen to the travel advisories,” said Grabow.