FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Winter weather has finally arrived in the metro area. Which means it is time for a great reminder to be safe on the roadways.
“If you don’t have to be out driving, stay home if you are able to. It’s bad enough out there with the visibility and the roads the way they are,” said Clay County Sheriff, Mark Empting. “Make sure you are turning your headlights on. There’s a lot of people out there right now that don’t have their headlights on. Slow down. The roadways get really slippery.”
This recent snow storm has hit multiple towns in North Dakota and Minnesota. For example, Grand Forks was caught in the I-29 closure due to icy roads, near-zero visibility and cars blocking the road.
“The south end of Grand Forks where there are less buildings and trees, there’s lots of drifting. Lots of vehicles getting stuck. At one point, at the 4700 to 5000 block of 32nd Ave. S. we had about 20 cars stuck in the snow.” said Sgt. Brandon Eberhardt of the Grand Forks Sheriff’s Office.
The issue with the wind here in the Red River Valley, is that it starts to blow up snow. It starts to become more and more of a visibility issue. If you are caught out in the elements, here’s what you need to do according to Clay County Sheriff, Mark Empting.
“Stay with your vehicle. Call 911, and report that you are stuck where you are at. And also, maybe keep at least a half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. Just in case you do get stuck.” said Sheriff Empting.
It is also recommended to have a winter survival kit inside your car just in case of an emergency.
