Winter storm expected to hit North Dakota tomorrow; travel impacts expected

Experimental Winter Storm Severity Index. Click image for latest info.

Above shows the experimental winter storm severity index for the next 1-3 days, which shows most of North Dakota into MODERATE IMPACTS. This means that this winter storm will cause disruption to daily lives. For areas in red, including Fargo and Grand Forks, MAJOR IMPACTS are expected by this storm. Major impacts include property damage and life saving actions being needed.

Please note that Manitoba, while not included in this map, might see conditions close to moderate impacts from this storm, depending how far north the heaviest snow bands extend.

NAM 3km resolution showing precipitation type from Friday afternoon up to Saturday evening

There is a general agreement amongst forecast models that msot of the heavy snow will remain south of the international border, however areas in the Parklands and higher elevations in southwestern Manitoba could see up to 10cm of snow by Saturday morning. A winter storm watch is currently in effect for all of North Dakota.

Winter storm watches in North Dakota (in blue) as of 12pm CST

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 13 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota. * WHEN...From late Friday night through late Saturday night. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

"Heavy snow is expected to impact the region Friday night through early Sunday. Whiteout conditions will be possible at times, especially on Saturday when winds could gust into the 40 to 45 mph range. Snowfall accumulations of 8 inches or more will cause difficult to impossible travel from Saturday into Saturday night." -NWS Grand Forks, ND

For potential watches/warnings from Environment Canada, please go here: https://www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html