Today's outlook: A wintry mix

By news@grandforksherald.com

November 27, 2006 at 11:00 PM

A mix of sleet and freezing rain will fall today in Grand Forks-East Grand Forks, as well as the Thief River Falls, Crookston and Bemidji areas, according to the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks. It might turn to just plain rain by sometime this afternoon.

As much as 5 inches of snow, though, is the forecast for areas from Devils Lake east to Hallock and Roseau, Minn.

And if you're in Fargo and Fergus Falls, N.D., expected mostly just rain.

In many areas, road conditions are hazardous.

The area is under a winter weather advisory, which is in effect until 6 p.m. today, according to the weather service.

Some area schools are starting classes and buses two hours late, according to Herald's severe weather announcements at the top of www.granforksherald.com . As of 7:15 a.m., those schools included Stephen-Argyle, Grygla, Kittson County Central and Marshall County Central. School at Midkota has been cancelled, the TV station reported.

Road conditions

Driving conditions in Northeastern North Dakota are reported to be in fair to difficult condition with scattered snow, and ice in some areas. In Northwestern Minnesota roads are reported to be in difficult condition. The traffic speeds should be slow in areas where there is freezing drizzle making roads slippery until early afternoon about 1 p.m., visibility is clear.

North Dakota highways

I-29 Scattered snow from South Dakota line to North Dakota Junction 11 and from Christine to 52nd Ave., in Fargo. Scattered ice from 52nd Ave., Fargo to the Cass County interchange.

US-2 good.

US-281 good.

ND-5 good.

ND-200 good.

Minnesota highways

Northwestern counties of Minnesota report that road conditions are in difficult conditions. There is freezing rain and drizzle making roads slippery.

Road construction/delays

32 Avenue

The west bound curbside lane of 32nd Avenue, in front of Shroeder Middle School will be closed for water service repairs. Project expected to be complete by the end of the week.

Road Closure on South 12th Street

South 12th Street between 24th avenue south and 25th avenue south will be closed to thru traffic during daylight hours starting Tuesday, Nov. 21 for water service work. During non-working hours the road will be opened to allow one lane of traffic. Project is expected to be completed on Nov. 23.

Columbia Road

Columbia Road is closed between 47th and 62nd avenues south to install culverts between a proposed water detention pond and King's Walk Golf Course. Work began Wednesday Nov. 8 and the project is expected to take about four weeks to complete. Local traffic will have access from the north and all other traffic will be detoured to South Washington Street.

Highway 32 bypass

A temporary bypass will be in place that began Wednesday on N.D. Highway 32 about 15 miles north of Niagra, N.D.
The bypass will allow repairs to be made to a railroad crossing. Repairs are expected to be completed by Friday evening.

State Route 72

On State Route 72 after the East Junction with State Route 1 there is construction work with a width limit in effect of 12 feet and length limit of 75 feet until Dec. 1. A cattle pass is being removed and a centerline culvert installed on Highway 72 between Shooks and Waskish. Drive with caution through detours with gravel surfaces.

State Route 64

There will be construction work on State Route 64 from North Junction of 200 to Akeley. There is minor road maintenance scheduled.
Weather info

The following is a list of contact points for weather information in North Dakota and Minnesota:

IN NORTH DAKOTA

Call 511, a telephone number developed by Meridian Environmental Technologies of Grand Forks that gives comprehensive weather and road information for the state and beyond.

Call (866) 696-3511 if your cell phone provider won't allow you to use the 511 system.

Call STAR 2121 or (701) 328-8100 with your cell phone to reach North Dakota State Radio, another option to notify authorities of mishaps. Weather information also can be found online at: