Winter Storm Strikes North Dakota, Causing Traffic Chaos
BISMARCK – A severe winter storm swept through North Dakota, resulting in blizzard and near-blizzard conditions that disrupted travel and led to nearly 50 vehicular accidents in the Bismarck-Mandan area alone within 24 hours. The Bismarck Police Department responded to 37 crashes, with 26 incidents requiring formal reports, which are mandated for situations involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Among the reports, four crashes involved injuries, while Mandan police documented seven accidents, including one minor injury incident.
The storm, considered the first major weather system of the season, posed a challenge for both inexperienced and seasoned drivers. Notably, two individuals from Hillsboro were injured in a rear-end collision on icy Interstate 29, and a Highway Patrol trooper also sustained minor injuries from being rear-ended while managing traffic. Highways remained unsafe Wednesday, with the Department of Transportation advising against travel in much of northern North Dakota, while a travel alert was issued for the Bismarck-Mandan region.
Blizzard warnings were in effect for parts of north-central and northeastern North Dakota, with wind gusts reaching upwards of 60 mph in some areas. Accumulations varied across the state, resulting in several inches of snow, particularly in the northern regions, while Bismarck received about 1.7 inches.
As temperatures are forecasted to trend slightly warmer throughout the week, they are expected to dip again by Sunday. Residents are advised to exercise caution as driving conditions become more hazardous with decreasing daylight hours and dropping temperatures. Local authorities remind citizens of ongoing winter safety practices on the roads. Additionally, Mandan Public Works announced the closure of grass collection sites for the year as temperatures continue to fall.
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Photo credit bismarcktribune.com
