A winter storm to hit North Dakota on Tuesday
Residents in North Dakota are bracing themselves for what could be the largest winter storm of the season. According to weather reports, a strong low-pressure system from Colorado is expected to move into the region early Tuesday, spreading snow and creating severe weather conditions. The storm is expected to move along the I94 corridor first and shouldn’t reach Highway 2 and areas north until midday. Mixed precipitation will accompany the snow for southeastern portions of the region, which will result in lesser snowfall totals.
Blizzard conditions expected
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning from Tuesday morning through Wednesday night, warning of heavy blowing and drifting, along with extremely low visibility. Blizzard conditions with heavy blowing snow will likely develop on Tuesday and may last into Thursday morning. The wind will increase on Wednesday on the back side of the low-pressure system as the wind shifts to being from the northwest at 25-40mph with gusts topping 50mph, creating whiteout conditions.
Impacts of the storm
The Winter Storm Severity Index indicates extreme impacts for much of eastern North Dakota, which means substantial disruptions to daily life due to extremely dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure. The snow and high winds are expected to put travel to a halt across most of North Dakota. Additionally, agriculture operations are expected to be impacted by the storm.
Black Hills Region also hit hard by winter storm
In addition to North Dakota, the Black Hills Region is also expecting a major winter storm from Monday evening through Wednesday morning. Heavy snow is expected with some areas seeing up to 12 inches or more. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing throughout the duration of the storm with wind chill factors in single digits or possibly below zero.
Blizzard conditions in Black Hills Region
High winds of over 55mph are expected on Tuesday, which may cause blizzard conditions in the Black Hills Region. The most snowfall is expected early Tuesday morning and could continue throughout the day. Winds will start easterly and shift out of the northeast by early Tuesday morning, becoming much stronger by early afternoon with gusts pushing 55-60mph. Schools, travel, and business operations are expected to be impacted by the storm.
Preparations for the winter storm
With the winter storm warning in full effect for both North Dakota and the Black Hills Region, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to prepare for sustained periods of snow, high winds, and dangerous driving conditions. People should stay indoors, avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, and prepare emergency kits that include food, water, and warm clothes.
In conclusion, residents in North Dakota and the Black Hills Region must take necessary precautions as severe winter weather approaches. Anyone who needs to travel during this time should monitor local forecasts continuously for road conditions and plan their journey accordingly. With extreme weather conditions expected to continue throughout this week, it is essential to be prepared to ride out any further storms that come our way.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
