Blizzard Warning, High Winds, Snow and Thunderstorms Forecast for North Valley

Severe weather conditions expected across the region on Monday afternoon and evening

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:27pm

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A powerful storm system is set to bring a mix of extreme weather to the North Valley on Monday, with blizzard conditions in the northern areas and the potential for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds in the southern parts of the region. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the northern areas, while the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the possibility of severe wind gusts and thunderstorms further south.

Why it matters

This dynamic storm system has the potential to create hazardous travel conditions and disrupt daily life across a wide swath of the North Valley. The combination of heavy snow, high winds, and thunderstorms is an unusual and dangerous weather event that requires residents to take appropriate precautions.

The details

Snow is expected to overspread the Valley around 2pm, then change to rain in the Central and Southern Valley, while snow will continue throughout the Northern Valley into Northern Minnesota. The worst conditions are forecast to occur between 3pm and midnight, with travel not recommended north of Highway 200. Snowfall amounts are predicted to range from 3-6 inches in the north to 0.5-1 inch in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

  • Snow will begin around 2pm on Monday, March 12, 2026.
  • The most severe weather is expected between 3pm and midnight on Monday, March 12, 2026.
  • Conditions are expected to slowly improve on Friday morning, March 15, 2026, as winds relax after sunrise.

The players

Storm Prediction Center (SPC)

The Storm Prediction Center is a division of the National Weather Service that is responsible for issuing severe weather outlooks and watches.

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a government agency that is responsible for providing weather forecasts and warnings to the public.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates on the evolving weather conditions throughout the day on Monday.

The takeaway

Residents of the North Valley should closely monitor the weather forecast and be prepared to adjust their plans and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this potentially dangerous storm.