Blizzard Sweeps Through Parts of Dakotas

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A blizzard sweeping through parts of the Dakotas is making travel treacherous and prompting the shutdown of public schools and even universities.

The National Weather Service has posted blizzard warnings in eastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota. The impacted area includes the James River and Red River valleys.

The cold front sweeping in from Canada is expected to bring only about an inch of snow. But winds gusting to 70 mph are creating whiteout conditions.

A wind gust of 72 mph was reported at Forbes on the North Dakota-South Dakota border. As a comparison — sustained winds of 74 mph are considered hurricane force.

North Dakota's two largest universities — the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and North Dakota State University in Fargo — are closed.