Weather Watches Issued for the Region

Blizzard conditions, heavy snow, and gusty winds expected across the Northern Plains

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued weather watches for the Grand Forks, North Dakota area and surrounding regions, warning of a swath of accumulating snow of 2 or more inches as well as gusty winds of at least 50 mph that will impact the area Thursday evening into Friday morning. There is a 50% chance for blizzard conditions, especially in the northern Red River Valley and parts of northwest Minnesota.

Why it matters

Severe winter weather can disrupt travel, cause power outages, and pose risks to public safety in the region. The weather system is expected to bring hazardous conditions that residents and local authorities will need to prepare for.

The details

The weather system is expected to bring a mix of heavy snow and strong winds. Snowfall accumulations of 2 inches or more are possible, along with wind gusts reaching 50-65 mph. The strongest winds are forecast to occur between 7 PM Thursday and 7 AM Friday, though the exact location of the highest winds is still uncertain and could impact different areas depending on the system's track.

  • The weather system is expected to impact the region Thursday evening into Friday morning.
  • Wind gusts of 50-65 mph are forecast to occur between 7 PM Thursday and 7 AM Friday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather watches and warnings across the United States.

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What’s next

Local authorities and residents are advised to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for potential power outages, travel disruptions, and other impacts from the severe winter weather.

The takeaway

This winter storm has the potential to bring dangerous blizzard conditions to the Northern Plains region, underscoring the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events and heeding official weather warnings.