A ferocious storm packing strong winds and icy temperatures swept through North Dakota on Wednesday, creating whiteout conditions in some areas in the northwest and north central parts of the state.

Forecasters said the storm was producing blizzard or near-blizzard conditions across western and central North Dakota. Wind chill factors late Wednesday had fallen to 30 below zero in the Minot and Williston areas, and were expected to drop as low as 50 below overnight, said Ken Welk, a technician with the National Weather Service in Bismarck.

Welk said the snow on the ground had little moisture in it, making it easier for the wind to pick up and whip around. The top wind gusts in the Minot and Bismarck areas on Wednesday surpassed 45 mph, he said. By late Wednesday night, gusts had dropped off in most areas to the range of 15-25 mph, Welk said.

A blizzard warning was in effect until Thursday morning for the Minot, Bottineau, Crosby and Williston areas, and a winter storm warning was posted for the rest of the state.

Forecasters said the blowing and drifting snow was expected to taper off today, but the bitter cold was expected to last at least through the weekend.

Ranchers were taking precautions to get their livestock out of the wind and feed them a little extra to stay warm.

"If they get a little protection from the wind, that helps," said Dale Sparks, whose son raises cattle on a ranch near Crosby.