Update: I-29 reopened between Grand Forks, Fargo

UPDATE (10:30 a.m.) -- Due to severe weather conditions, I-29 North and Southbound lanes were shut down for several hours between Fargo and Grand Forks Thursday morning.

The North Dakota DOT says heavy, blowing snow and freezing rain caused visibility and safety issues, prompting the closure. There were several crashes along the roadway in the morning too, mainly near Gardner and Hillsboro.

The roadway has since been re-opened, but travel is still not advised.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

(Fargo, ND) -- It didn't take long for I-29 to get bad enough for officials to shut it down.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation says the highway from Grand Forks to Fargo is closed as blowing snow, freezing rain, and more severe winter weather rolls through the area.

The first winter storm of the season has caused some local school districts to stay home, and some big crashes.

For updates on all roadways in North Dakota, click here.