After seeing rain in eastern and central North Dakota much of the morning, National Weather Service officials say the precipitation is changing over to snow. Meteorologist Pete Speicher says the new moisture is part of an incoming weather system expected to create blizzard-like conditions for parts of the listening area…
"...this afternoon the winds are really going to jump up. By 3 p.m., about the time schools will be getting out, we're looking for 45 to 55 mile-per-hour gusts. The will blow any new snow around creating reduced visibilities."
Speicher says the winds are expected to die-down by 7 or 8 tonight.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation has already issued a Travel Alert for portions of south central and north eastern North Dakota due to snow covered and slippery roads and blowing snow creating reduced visibility. Areas included in the south central Travel Alert include the cities of Jamestown, Valley City, Ashley, Ellendale and surrounding areas. Areas included in the north eastern Travel Alert are the cities of Grand Forks, Grafton, Pembina and surrounding areas.
A Travel Alert means conditions are such that motorists can still travel in these areas, but should be advised of rapidly changing conditions. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.
All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions as weather conditions occur and use caution while traveling. For road information, call 511 from any type of phone or go to the website: www.dot.nd.gov.
