Fair / 43° F
Winter storm gaining strength
Published 10:57am Wednesday, December 23, 2009The National Weather Service (NWS) isn’t backing down from its predictions for a major Christmas snowstorm.
Meteorologists with the NWS in Grand Forks are so confident they’re predicting a 100 percent chance of snow tonight, paired with a winter storm warning set to expire late Saturday evening.
“It’s going to be pretty much a done deal,” said NWS meteorologist Brad Hopkins.
Otter Tail, Wilkin, and Grant counties are expected to receive 12 to 16 inches of snow through Saturday morning, Hopkins said.
With heavy snowfall and strong winds, driving will be dangerous, he said.
One concern is that drifting snow could cause ditches to appear as flat surfaces. In a situation when snow and wind causes reduced visibility, a driver could perceive the ditch as part of the road, Hopkins said.
Winter weather will begin today, with less than a half inch of snow predicted, coupled with wind gusts of up to 21 mph. Tonight, two to four inches of snow is expected, with 20 mph winds.
Storms will continue Thursday with up to five inches of accumulation during the day, followed by more snow Thursday evening and wind gusts up to 36 mph. Christmas Day doesn’t look any more promising. There is a 90 percent chance of snow with winds set to reach 36 mph.
Snow is expected to taper off Saturday evening, though Hopkins said it’s possible there may be some lingering snowfall and winds late into the evening.
