North Dakota is used to dealing with harsher winters than in other places. Bitter cold, chilly winds, and loads of snow isn’t too far from the norm in this state. This month, however, has been a whirlwind of near-record-breaking cold streaks, storms bad enough to shut down both major interstates, and snow galore. Don’t get your hopes up on an early spring, either, because another winter storm is currently rolling through and bringing more.

At the beginning of this month, places in North Dakota saw streaks of sub-zero temperatures for over 8 days. The year with the longest consecutive streak of sub-zero days for North Dakota was in 1936, when most towns felt over 15 days of bitter cold. Carrington, ND set the record with 37 days, over a month straight, of negative degree temps.

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Along with the chill, blowing snow caused sections of both major interstates - I-94 and I-29 - and many other highways in North Dakota to close a couple weeks ago. School and business closures were also widespread and the storms just kept coming.

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Don’t think that after that system went through the hard part of winter is over. Winter Storm Petra is now hitting the plains and heading east towards the coast.

Fargo-Moorhead CVB/Flickr

The NOAA says there is a high likelihood of temperatures remaining below average through February and the winter storm will bring more snow to North Dakota.

Jordan Green/Flickr

As is always the case with these conditions, check the road conditions before leaving for anywhere and bundle up - especially if there is a wind chill or low temperature advisory. Should you get stranded with your car, don’t leave it, and keep an emergency kit in the back or trunk with things like blankets, water, a shovel, and heat packs. We obviously still have some winter yet to endure!

Wes Peck/Flickr

How have you been holding up through these winter storms? North Dakota winters aren’t for everyone, but they’re just part of living here – and most of us love it anyway. If you’ve just moved here and are experiencing it for the first time, here are 10 things you need to know to survive a North Dakota winter.

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Jordan Green/Flickr

Fargo-Moorhead CVB/Flickr

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