Winter storm warnings issued for Northern Plains

Winter storm warnings have been issued for parts of eastern North Dakota, South Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. A Low pressure system is expected to eject northeast and impact the Northern Plains starting Saturday evening and lasting into Monday. Snowfall will range in the 30-40cm (possibly more) for parts of the US, but little accumulation (5-10cm) is expected for Manitoba. Parts of northwestern Ontario may see 20-30cm.

"A winter storm will impact the Northern Plains Saturday morning through Monday morning. Heavy snowfall, significant blowing snow, and freezing rain are likely, creating significant travel related impacts. Snow will begin across the south late tonight, and spread north throughout the day Saturday. Freezing rain will begin to mix with the snow Saturday afternoon and winds will increase Saturday night, resulting in blowing snow late Saturday night and Sunday. Periods of whiteout conditions are possible. Weather impacts will begin to wind down Monday morning. This storm will create significant impacts on Holiday Season Travel and motorists should be prepared with winter survival kits if travel is absolutely necessary." - NWS Grand Forks, ND

Major impacts are expected for Grand Forks & Fargo in North Dakota. Highway closures are LIKELY, especially on Sunday.

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SATURDAY TO 6 AM CST MONDAY... * WHAT...Light snow and freezing rain Saturday changing over to heavy snow and blowing snow Saturday night through Sunday night. Total snow accumulations of 9 to 14 inches and ice accumulations of up to two tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, northwest and west central Minnesota and southeast North Dakota. * WHEN...From 6 AM Saturday to 6 AM CST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Periodic whiteout conditions are possible. Gusty winds combined with light ice accumulations could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.