I-94 Closed in Central North Dakota Due to Blizzard

Stranded motorists and heavy snow force highway closure between Jamestown and Steele

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:52pm

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The North Dakota Department of Transportation has closed a stretch of Interstate 94 between Jamestown and Steele due to dangerous blizzard conditions that have left numerous motorists stranded and unable to be safely reached by rescue crews. The North Dakota Highway Patrol is working to make contact with drivers stuck on the closed highway, but treacherous weather is hampering their efforts.

Why it matters

This closure of a major interstate highway in central North Dakota during a severe winter storm will disrupt travel and commerce in the region, potentially for an extended period. The inability of rescue crews to reach stranded drivers also raises concerns about their safety and wellbeing until conditions improve.

The details

The North Dakota Department of Transportation made the decision to close I-94 after wreckers were unable to reach and assist numerous vehicles that had become stuck in the heavy snow. The North Dakota Highway Patrol is working to make contact with the stranded drivers, but the hazardous weather conditions are slowing their progress. Drivers are reminded that it is illegal to travel on closed roads, and travel is strongly discouraged in the affected area.

  • The highway closure went into effect on April 4, 2026 around 3:52 PM local time.

The players

North Dakota Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and overseeing the transportation infrastructure in North Dakota, including Interstate 94.

North Dakota Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing traffic laws and assisting stranded motorists on state highways in North Dakota.

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What’s next

The North Dakota Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol will continue monitoring the situation and work to reopen I-94 as soon as conditions allow for safe travel and rescue operations.

The takeaway

This highway closure highlights the dangers of severe winter weather in central North Dakota and the importance of heeding travel advisories. It also underscores the challenges faced by first responders in reaching stranded motorists during blizzard conditions.