GRAND FORKS – A winter whether advisory is in effect for the Grand Forks area from Thursday night through Friday, with potential impacts lingering into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Whiteout Conditions and Strong Winds Expected
Table of Contents
Intermittent whiteout conditions are anticipated due to high winds and blowing snow, substantially reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions.
- Sustained winds of 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are forecast.
- the Red River Valley could see a 40% chance of blizzard conditions.
- Friday morning and evening commutes are expected to be the most impacted.
- wind chills could drop to minus-30 to minus-40 Saturday morning.
“It will be a simultaneous effect as opposed to snowfall and then blowing winds,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Tyler Thomas explained. “That snow band coming through… if an area isn’t in the band, they may even see blue skies.”
Heavy Snow, But Uncertainty Remains
While the northern Red River Valley has experienced blizzard-like conditions earlier this winter, this weekend’s system is expected to bring heavier snowfall. However, the National weather Service notes uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the snow.
“While we are confident that there will be narrow bands of heavy snow showers snaking their way through the region, we still don’t yet know how widespread or long-lasting snow will be,” the agency said in a release.
What are the chances of a blizzard? There is a 40% probability of blizzard conditions developing within the Red river Valley, and travel is expected to be especially arduous during Friday morning and evening commutes. Thomas added, “More than likely we see a decrease in impacts by sunrise Saturday.”
Brace for Bitterly Cold Wind Chills
Saturday morning could bring dangerously cold wind chills, potentially falling between minus-30 and minus-40 degrees. These frigid temperatures are expected to moderate Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service urges residents to reconsider travel plans if perilous weather is anticipated. Motorists are advised to check road conditions via the Department of Transportation website or local resources.
This winter,Grand Forks has already weathered two blizzards,dubbed “Alice” and “Brad.” Blizzard Alice, which impacted the area in late January, brought projected snowfall of 2 inches and wind gusts up to 67 mph. Blizzard Brad, occurring shortly after, delivered 4.7 inches of snow and a peak wind speed of 46 mph at Grand Forks International Airport. both storms led to closures of Interstate 29, disrupting travel and commerce. Prior to Alice and Brad, the area experienced two additional winter storms with blizzard-like conditions, including one on Dec. 9 that deposited 8 inches of snow and prompted school closures. The repeated severe weather events highlight the challenges of winter living in the Red River Valley.
