Blizzard conditions to begin this afternoon

BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Blizzard conditions expected. Additional snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Southern Red River Valley. * WHEN...Widespread blizzard conditions will develop early this afternoon. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be nearly impossible. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

A developing area of snow around the Fargo through Fosston area will being to intensify through the morning, adding more snow to the southern valley and west central Minnesota. The band across northeastern North Dakota, from Devils Lake to Hallock, MN, will continue to decrease in intensity HOWEVER, winds will increase by late afternoon as the storm transitions toward blizzard conditions. REPEAT: It is important to realize that the decreasing snow rates over northeastern North Dakota and the northern valley does not mean the storm is ending, as winds will increase this afternoon, leading to blizzard conditions.

The first round of snow has left much of the region with around 5 to 8 inches of snowfall. Snow will continue across mainly southeast North Dakota and west central Minnesota into the evening hours, with an additional 5 to 10 inches of snow expected by Friday morning. Blizzard conditions will develop this afternoon along and west of the Red River Valley, continuing into the overnight hours. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

The first round of snow has left much of the region with around 4 to 8 inches of snowfall. Snow will continue across mainly southeast North Dakota and west central Minnesota into the evening hours, with an additional 5 to 10 inches of snow expected by Friday morning. Blizzard conditions will develop this afternoon along and west of the Red River Valley, continuing into the overnight hours. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected.