Winter storm watches issued for North Dakota

Winter storm watches (in blue) and advisories (in purple) are in effect beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Friday morning. Severe travel impacts are likely across the region. The first round of snow is expected to accumulate from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, with a broad area of 3 to 7 inches across eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. The second round of snow is expected to mainly impact southeastern North Dakota into western Minnesota Thursday and Thursday night. This area could receive a more concentrated area of greater than 6 inches of additional snow. In addition, winds will increase out of the north Thursday night, with significant visibility restrictions possible across the Red River Valley. Travel could be difficult to near impossible Thursday night into Friday morning. Cold wind chills of 25 to 30 below zero will also be possible Thursday night. Continue to monitor the latest forecast for updates on this potential impactful winter storm. -NWS Grand Forks

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 or more inches are possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Friday morning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. By Thursday night, the cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.