BISMARCK, ND — Winter is wasting no time tightening its grip on North Dakota as a potent system approaches from the west, bringing heavy snow, gusty winds, and blowing drifts through Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of north and south-central North Dakota, including Minot, Bismarck, and Jamestown, where 4 to 9 inches of snow are possible.
Snow is expected to begin late Monday evening, quickly intensifying overnight. By early Tuesday, strong northwest winds gusting 40–45 mph will combine with falling snow to create blizzard-like visibility on open stretches of I-94 and Highway 83. Travel could become dangerous to near impossible at times, especially during the Tuesday morning commute.
Forecasters warn that the storm will bring two distinct impacts — heavy accumulating snow across northern counties from Williston to Rugby, and drifting snow and reduced visibility farther south from Bismarck to LaMoure.
Drivers should prepare now with winter survival kits, extra clothing, and fully charged phones. Power lines and rural roadways may see drifting snow through Tuesday evening as temperatures drop into the 20s.
