Up to a Foot of Snow Forecast for Northeast North Dakota

Road crews and utility workers prepare for blowing snow and potential power outages.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A winter storm is expected to bring rain, ice, snow, and wind to northeast North Dakota, with up to a foot of snow forecast. The North Dakota Department of Transportation and Cass County Electric Cooperative are preparing for the challenging conditions, warning residents to be prepared for potential power outages and hazardous driving.

Why it matters

This storm could significantly impact travel and power in the region, with the potential for road closures, accidents, and widespread power outages. Proper preparation and response from authorities and residents will be crucial to minimizing the disruption and ensuring public safety.

The details

The storm is expected to move from south to north, with the Tuesday evening rush hour expected to be smooth sailing. However, Wednesday morning is predicted to be much more challenging, especially in northeast North Dakota, where up to a foot of snow is forecast. The North Dakota Department of Transportation is responsible for plowing nearly 2,000 miles of road and has 43 trucks ready to tackle the storm. Cass County Electric Cooperative, which serves 60,000 customers in Fargo and surrounding areas, is concerned about the potential for icy buildups on 2,700 miles of power lines that could lead to outages when the wind picks up.

  • The storm is expected to move from south to north, with the Tuesday evening rush hour expected to be smooth sailing.
  • Wednesday morning is predicted to be much more challenging, especially in northeast North Dakota, where up to a foot of snow is forecast.

The players

North Dakota Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and plowing nearly 2,000 miles of road in the region, with 43 trucks ready to tackle the storm.

Cass County Electric Cooperative

The electric utility serving 60,000 customers in Fargo and surrounding areas, concerned about the potential for icy buildups on 2,700 miles of power lines that could lead to outages when the wind picks up.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest thing is the wind and the blowing and sticking, and that's where it's going to be a problem for us, when the temperatures are high and the road gets warm, and the wind will blow across and sticks and now we have ice.”

— Blayne Twamley, North Dakota Department of Transportation (inforum.com)

“It definitely adds challenges for sure, every outage, every storm is unique, the crews and our engineering staff evaluate the conditions, what can we get to now, what may need to wait until the weather has passed and conditions calm.”

— Chad Brousseau, Cass County Electric Cooperative (inforum.com)

What’s next

The North Dakota Department of Transportation and Cass County Electric Cooperative will continue to monitor the storm and respond accordingly, with the potential for road closures, power outages, and other disruptions in the region.

The takeaway

This winter storm highlights the importance of preparedness and coordination between government agencies, utility providers, and residents to ensure public safety and minimize the impact of severe weather events. Residents should heed warnings, stock up on emergency supplies, and be ready to adjust their plans as the situation evolves.