The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a winter storm warning for a large portion of North Dakota and Minnesota. The warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters are highly confident in a widespread snowfall of 4 to 6 inches.
National Weather Service Grand Forks Predicts Significant Snowfall
The winter storm warning covers a vast area stretching northwest to southeast, encompassing numerous counties. Affected areas include Crosby, Devils Lake, Fargo, and the Twin Cities. Towns such as Bottineau, Rugby, Langdon, Harvey, Grafton, Grand Forks, Hillsboro in North Dakota, and Fergus Falls, Brainerd, and St. Cloud in Minnesota are also included. The warning extends through central Wisconsin.
The National Weather Service predicts the highest likelihood of 6 inches or more of snow around Bottineau, Rugby, and Devils Lake in northern North Dakota, with a 78% chance or higher. Fargo has a 68% chance of at least 6 inches, while Grand Forks has a 50% chance. In Minnesota, Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls have a 62% chance of at least 6 inches. There’s a 20% chance some areas could see 8 inches or more.
Timing and Impacts of the Storm According to the National Weather Service Grand Forks
Snow is expected to arrive in eastern North Dakota around suppertime Wednesday, with the heaviest snowfall overnight. While blizzard conditions are not expected, occasional whiteout conditions are possible Thursday afternoon in the central and southern Red River Valley. Light snow will continue through Thursday morning and possibly into the afternoon, accompanied by increasing winds. Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility and impact travel.
John Wheeler, chief meteorologist at WDAY, forecasts 4 to 6 inches of snow for parts of the Red River Valley, with potentially higher amounts west and south of Grand Forks. He anticipates airy, blowable snow, but not enough wind for a blizzard. However, blowing and drifting snow are expected through Thursday night.
National Weather Service Grand Forks Advisories and Warnings
Temperatures in Grand Forks will drop to single digits by late Thursday afternoon, with east winds up to 32 mph. Fargo will see temperatures around 14 degrees with stronger winds. Travel will likely be affected throughout the warning area. The National Weather Service urges residents to plan for slippery road conditions.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for areas outside the warning zone, including Williston, Beulah, Bismarck, Jamestown, and Ashley in North Dakota, and Roseau, Thief River Falls, and Bemidji in Minnesota. These areas could still experience notable snowfall. A high wind warning is in effect for extreme southwest North Dakota, including Dickinson, Bowman, and Elgin. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the storm and provide updates.
