North Dakota Winter Storm: Get the Latest Updates and Forecasts on Severe Weather in Your Area

2023-10-24 14:30:00

BISMARCK TRIBUNE STAFF

Much of North Dakota is expected to get snow over the coming days, with a high chance for at least 8 inches in the northwest.

What the National Weather Service calls a “significant early season winter storm” will impact areas from the Pacific Northwest to northern Minnesota through Thursday. Winter storm warnings are posted in parts of Montana, Wyoming and Washington, and a winter storm watch stretches from eastern Montana to much of western and northern North Dakota. Bismarck-Mandan is not in the watch area.

“In addition to the snow, the falling temperatures will feel like an early winter blast, with highs only into the 20s and lows in the teens by Wednesday from the Northern Rockies into the Northern High Plains,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.

Normal for this time of year in Bismarck-Mandan is a high temperature in the low 50s and an overnight low in the upper 20s, according to weather service data.

There is a 70-100% chance of at least 8 inches of snow in the Williston, New Town and Minot areas, according to the agency. There is a 40-70% chance in the area stretching from Dickinson to Devils Lake, and a 10-40% chance in the area stretching from Bowman to Bismarck to Carrington.

“Much of the area outside these categories are still likely to receive accumulating snow,” forecasters said.

The northwest, southwest and north central areas of the state can expect “major” winter weather impacts on Thursday, with the south central region including Bismarck-Mandan seeing “moderate” impacts, including wind gusts up to 25 mph, according to the weather service. The system should move out on Friday.

“Gusty winds on Thursday can lead to blizzardlike conditions across the Dakotas, with blowing and drifting snow, along with reduced visibility,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Joseph Bauer said. He added that “As temperatures fall well below freezing later in the week, this can lead to freeze-up issues and slick spots on roads and highways.”

(Check back for updates.)