Governor Doug Burgum has declared Nov. 1-5, 2021, Severe Winter Weather Awareness Week. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), National Weather Service, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and North Dakota Highway Patrol will hold a news conference to provide information about winter weather conditions, how to stay informed of road conditions, and staying safe while traveling. The NDDOT will also be unveiling a new contest. This is an important event for North Dakota residents because:

• North Dakota is vulnerable to various types of severe winter weather, including extremely cold temperatures, dangerous wind chills, ice storms, snowstorms, blizzards, and freezing rain;
• Severe winter weather can cause injury and death through hypothermia, frostbite, stroke, heart attack, traffic accidents, and other related causes
• Severe winter weather can interrupt electrical and communications services to homes, schools, and businesses;
• The loss of life and property during winter months can be greatly reduced if North Dakotans take appropriate preparedness measures before, during, and after experiencing severe winter weather;
• Safe driving practices during winter events and caution around snowplows are necessary to reduce accidents and loss of life.

Residents are encouraged to watch the live stream and then download the ND Roads app for up-to-date and reliable road information during the winter.