FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Travel is expected to be hindered by heavy snow throughout the region this weekend. The winter storm warning is in effect until 6:00 a.m. Monday. For the latest information on road conditions and closures visit https://www.dot.nd.gov/travel-info-v2/ for North Dakota and https://hb.511mn.org/ for Minnesota.
The following is the storm forecast from KFGO’s Chief Meteorologist Tom Szymanski:
Winter Storm Warning (Pink) … Weather Advisory (Purple)
Areas of light snow which may be mixed with freezing drizzle will lift northward today … The amount of snow today will not be overly impressive as I’m only expecting about a Trace to 4″.
The snow coverage and intensity increases after midnight tonight and through most of the day Sunday as the storm strengthens and parks itself in southwestern MN or eastern SD. Expect periods of heavy snow accompanied by a very strong North wind frequently gusting over 42 mph late tonight into Sunday evening causing blizzard conditions in open country and perhaps even in town.
Some “mixed bagginess” (Freezing drizzle, freezing rain, or sleet) is also possible. Snow rates decrease again Sunday night and Monday but the strong NNW wind gusting to 35-40 mph will still produce whiteout conditions especially in open country. In addition, patchy freezing drizzle will still be possible Sunday night and Monday. I fully expect travel to become extremely treacherous if not impossible across the region beginning late tonight into Monday. Power outages are certainly a possibility, especially in rural areas. This is the real deal folks!
***I AM EXPECTING WIDESPREAD 6″+ TOTALS ACROSS THE EASTERN HALF OF THE DAKOTAS AND THE NORTHERN PORTIONS OF MINNESOTA INCLUDING LAKES COUNTRY AND THE NORTHLAND. LOCALLY I ANTICIPATE 10-15″ OVER A LARGE PORTION OF SOUTHEASTERN ND, NORTHEASTERN SD AND WESTERN MN AND THIS DOES INCLUDE THE FARGO – MOORHEAD AREA***
***It is important to note that MOST of the snow will fall late tonight through tomorrow night and that there will be the usual VARIATION in snow totals across the region PLUS the drifting will make for very difficult measuring … Suffice it to say let’s just go with a qualitative forecast of A LOT of snow … Be prepared!***