Winter Storm Warnings Issued for North Dakota

Heavy snow expected along Highway 2 corridor, flooding risk in southern Red River Valley

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for areas along and north of Highway 2 in North Dakota, with heavy snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches expected from Tuesday, February 17th into Wednesday, February 18th. Elsewhere, lighter snow is forecast through Thursday, February 19th. Additionally, widespread precipitation and melting snowpack will bring a low risk of flooding in the southern end of the Red River Valley.

Why it matters

Winter storms can significantly disrupt travel, cause power outages, and pose risks to public safety. The heavy snow and potential flooding could impact residents and businesses across the region.

The details

The National Weather Service has warned that the winter storm will bring heavy, accumulating snow to areas along and north of Highway 2 in North Dakota. Snowfall totals in this corridor are expected to reach 5 to 10 inches. South of Highway 2, lighter snow is forecast through Thursday, February 19th. The widespread precipitation and melting snowpack will also bring a low risk of flooding in the southern end of the Red River Valley.

  • The winter storm is expected to impact the region from Tuesday, February 17th into Wednesday, February 18th.
  • Lighter snow is forecast to continue through Thursday, February 19th until 12am.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

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What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather forecasts, prepare for potential power outages and travel disruptions, and heed any flood warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.

The takeaway

This winter storm highlights the importance of being prepared for severe weather events, which can have significant impacts on communities across the region. Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions can help mitigate the risks posed by heavy snow and potential flooding.