A severe winter storm will affect parts of North Dakota Wednesday night into Friday morning

BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – The first major winter storm will move through the region later this week. The main risks include heavy snowfall and strong winds that could disrupt travel. Snow is possible in the region, especially in areas further south, depending on the exact track of the storm.

These are 6″+, 8″+ and 12″+ snowfall totals.

The biggest impact from the storm will occur Thursday, and the heaviest snowfall, which could easily exceed an inch per hour, is most likely to occur Thursday afternoon. Snow should move from west to east Thursday night into Friday morning.

The current winter storm watch area is shown below.

Precipitation may begin in southern North Dakota Wednesday night, with widespread precipitation expected in southern North Dakota early Thursday morning. Temperatures above the southern James River Valley should be warm enough for the initial period of freezing rain. If that happens, a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation is possible before the sleet that should occur by Thursday afternoon.

Widespread snow impacts are expected there with the highest accumulations of snow with winds up to 55 mph.

The Winter Storm Severity Index is shown below, which provides an indication of the level of winter precipitation (snow and ice) and its potential associated social impacts.

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