On this date in 1998, a powerful snowstorm swept through North Dakota and western Minnesota, causing near-blizzard conditions, road closures, and travel disruptions before easing as it moved south.

Here is the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:

Forum and wire reports

A strong snowstorm swept across North Dakota and western Minnesota Wednesday, bringing near-blizzard conditions to the Red River Valley and prompting authorities to close Interstate 29 from Fargo to the Canadian border.

Drivers could hardly see along interstates 94 and 29 in eastern North Dakota on Wednesday afternoon, with visibility dropping to zero at times in the Valley City area, the Highway Patrol said.

The National Weather Service reported thunder and lightning as the storm rumbled into the Fargo-

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