GRAND FORKS – More snow and strong winds are expected this week in Grand Forks and the region, possibly creating difficulties for vacationers, according to forecasters.
After a week of snow last week and new storms earlier this week, “we have very messy roads,” said Lydia Blume, a meteorologist at WDAY.
WDAY predicts another round of light snow Wednesday, followed by two days of snow. Temperatures for the remainder of the week will be well below freezing. Saturday is likely to be sunny but cold – with a high below freezing – and Sunday, Christmas Day, could see more light snow.
Travel conditions are likely to be the most difficult Thursday and Friday, according to WDAY.
Blume expects strong winds Thursday and Friday, up to 40 mph. This can create blizzard conditions – even without snow.
“Not ideal holiday travel conditions,” Blume said.
Blume said weather and road conditions will be slightly better Saturday and Sunday, “but still tough. Not perfect.”
And Timothy Lynch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Grand Forks office, said “it looks like [the Department of Transportation hasn’t] caught a lot of time off.”
I-29 was great Monday and Tuesday. Some commuters reported traffic moving as fast as 35 mph between Fargo and Hillsboro. The North Dakota Department of Transportation road map showed there was persistent ice between those towns. Between Grand Forks and Hillsboro, there was scattered ice.
Light snow continued throughout the day on Monday, December 19. Grand Forks accumulated 2.1 inches of snow, which stuck to roads and recreated existing slick spots.
According to the National Weather Service, some areas in the southern Red River Valley could get up to 4 inches of snow by Wednesday evening — that’s on top of already slick roads. Dangerous wind chills will continue to be a threat. The NWS says the snow will be light and fluffy, and visibility may be reduced when cars are on the road, kicking off the snow.
Grand Forks and much of northeastern North Dakota could get between 1-3 inches of new snow, a weather service chart shows. Meanwhile the Fargo area could see between 2-4 inches.
TJ Melcher, public engagement at MnDOT, advises drivers to be aware of the forecast and check the 511 Minnesota website for road conditions.
“Be prepared for winter driving,” Melcher said. “You know, pack some cold weather gear, make sure your tires are inflated … have a full tank of gas, or half a tank of gas, just in case something happens.”
The NDDOT website contains a map of road conditions.
