Blizzard Conditions Possible in Northern Red River Valley

Forecasters warn of potential blizzard conditions on Thursday and Friday

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The National Weather Service is warning of a potential blizzard in the northern Red River Valley region of North Dakota and Minnesota on Thursday and Friday. There is a 50% chance of blizzard conditions, with forecasts calling for up to 5 inches of snow and wind gusts potentially reaching 65 mph.

Why it matters

Blizzard conditions can create dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and other disruptions for residents in the affected areas. The Red River Valley region is prone to severe winter storms, and this system has the potential to significantly impact the daily lives of people in the region.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the storm system is expected to move into the area on Thursday afternoon, with winds picking up Thursday evening and continuing into Friday morning. The intensity of the storm will determine the exact snowfall amounts, with forecasts ranging from 2 to 5 inches if the higher-end storm track occurs, or just a trace of snow if the more northerly, lower-end track prevails. The highest winds are expected to be displaced from the heaviest snow, with gusts potentially reaching up to 65 mph, though more likely in the 55-60 mph range.

  • The storm is expected to move into the region on Thursday afternoon.
  • Winds are forecast to pick up Thursday evening and continue into Friday morning.
  • The storm is expected to taper off by Friday, with high winds and a few snow showers in the morning.

The players

National Weather Service of Grand Forks

The regional office of the National Weather Service that serves the Grand Forks, North Dakota area and provides weather forecasts and warnings for the northern Red River Valley region.

Jennifer Ritterling

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service of Grand Forks who provided information and forecasts for the upcoming winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“We are still a little uncertain about the exact conditions that are going to be going on in Grand Forks. We're a little more certain in the northern Red River Valley.”

— Jennifer Ritterling, Meteorologist (grandforksherald.com)

“Which one plays out? We're still trying to figure that out, thus the Watch, but there's about a 50% chance that we will see falling and blowing snow.”

— Jennifer Ritterling, Meteorologist (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on the potential for blizzard conditions and impacts to the region.

The takeaway

Residents in the northern Red River Valley region should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of hazardous winter driving conditions, power outages, and other disruptions if the forecasted blizzard conditions materialize.