IMPORTANT INFORMATION
particularly for Devils Lake
Basin and James River Valley
It is not often we message impacts this severe, however given our increased confidence in extreme snow amounts we feel it is warranted. Those within the highest impacted areas (Devils Lake Basin into the James River Valley of North Dakota) prepare for several days of impossible travel and the chance of being snowed in. This could develop into a very serious situation.
Forecast event snowfall total (Thursday through Saturday) ranges 1-3+ FEET ..we repeat FEET.. within the Devils Lake Basin through the James River Valley of North Dakota. This is where crippling winter impacts are expected. Further east into the Red River Valley and portions adjacent to the Valley within Minnesota, snowfall amounts are a bit more uncertain as this is dependent on the timing of transition from rain to snow. The quicker the transition, the more likely higher amounts are seen. Thus the Red River Valley should prepare for the possibility of seeing around 1 foot or more of snow. Deeper into Minnesota, little snowfall is expected.
���� Wind gusts will also range between 40-60 mph within eastern North Dakota. Within the Red River Valley, 30-45 mph are expected. Lesser winds are expected within central Minnesota. Snow will combine with highest winds to create blizzard conditions. ����
Devils Lake basin and James River Valley: Crippling winter impacts are expected within the pink highlighted area particularly Friday through at least Saturday. Prepare for impossible travel for several days with lingering disruptions to travel expected through at least the weekend. Heavy snow rates and 40-60 mph wind gusts will create whiteout conditions. The extreme amounts of snowfall (1-3+ feet) will combine with high winds to promote large, impassable snow drifts. Prepare for power outages as well as tree and structural damage from heavy snow load. Disruptions to agricultural and livestock activities are also expected.
Red River Valley and adjacent locations within Minnesota: Significant winter and water impacts are expected. Rain will to transition to snow this afternoon into tonight within the Red River Valley, including Grand Forks and Fargo. This area holds the possibility of seeing very difficult to impossible travel, localized power outages and tree damage from heavy snow and gusty winds particularly on Friday into Saturday. Additionally excessive rainfall may cause ponding of water and rises on local rivers. Both snow and rain is expected to disrupt agricultural and livestock activities.
North-central Minnesota: Impacts expected deeper within Minnesota where mostly rain is expected with an eventual transition to snow closer to Friday or Saturday. Possible excessive rainfall may cause ponding of water (further impacted by leaves plugging storm drains) and rises on local rivers. After rain transitions to snow, hazardous travel is possible if snow accumulates on roadways.
Stay safe.
For latest forecast updates and information: weather.gov/fgf
Updated: 3 PM October 10