Winter Storm Looks To Be Lining Up For This Part Of North Dakota

A Colorado low that has been talked about for several days now appears to be lining up for this part of North Dakota.

Our local meteorologists and the national meteorologists you see on The Weather Channel have all been warning of a potentially impactful storm for the region for days now. At first it was thought that this storm could potentially cripple a good chuck of the state (including Bismarck Mandan).

Now, the trek of winter storm "Marisol" (a named winter storm by the Weather Channel) appears to be going further east than originally thought.

Early weather models this past weekend showed much of the state of North Dakota receiving significant snow, including Bismarck and Mandan. Early projections showed the Capital Region looking at up to 6 inches of snow. The highest snowfall totals were expected in the eastern part of the state.

Now, it appears the Red River Valley is in the bullseye of this storm, and the rest of the state might sit this one out.

Both the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel are showing a narrow band of rain, freezing rain, and snow that will most likely impact the Red River Valley of North Dakota from late Friday night through Saturday morning.

Very strong northwest winds gusting to up to 50 miles per hour could cause significant blowing and drifting snow for this area as well. Travel problems are expected.

As of Thursday morning, March 13th, The Weather Channel is saying this part of North Dakota could see up to 6 inches of snow. 

A lot of this depends on how long it rains before the cold front turns this precipitation over to snow. The National Weather Service is also calling for the potential for heavy snow for Fargo.

You can expect winter storm watches or warnings to be issued later today by the National Weather Service.

How about Bismarck and Mandan? Will we see any precipitation from this storm?

We could certainly use some help to alleviate our dry conditions and the wildfire danger. As it turns out, we may not see a drop of moisture or very little in the Capital Region. We have only a 40 percent chance of rain Friday afternoon, which could change over to about an inch or less of snow Friday night.

We will continue to monitor the situation along with our meteorologists from Severe Weather Studios on this Townsquare Media station.