Alert archive / Minnesota / Winter Storm Warnings in 2017

Winter Storm Warning 3, NWS Grand Forks, ND

December 20, 20176 counties in Minnesota; Grand Forks County, Steele County, Traill County, North Dakota

NWS Grand Forks, ND issued this winter storm warning at Dec 20, 2017, 7:30 PM CST for 6 counties in Minnesota; Grand Forks County, Steele County, Traill County, North Dakota. It was in force for 8 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Dec 20, 2017, 7:30 PM CST (01:30 UTC)
Expired
Dec 21, 2017, 3:46 AM CST
In force
8 hr
Issued by
NWS Grand Forks, ND

Counties Becker County, MN, Clearwater County, MN, Hubbard County, MN, Mahnomen County, MN, Norman County, MN, Polk County, MN, Grand Forks County, ND, Steele County, ND, Traill County, ND

The radar

The Fargo/Grand Forks radar (KMVX), 75 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:35 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 20, 9:55 PM CSTSNOW 6Naytahwaush, MNSTILL SNOWING.
Dec 20, 10:05 PM CSTHEAVY SNOW 6Hillsboro, NDESTIMATED 5 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOWFALL THUS FAR. LIGHT SNOW STILL OCCURING.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

International Fa, MN (KINL), launched 00:00Z, 1.5 hours before the alert went out and 259 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, International Fa, MN at 00:00Z on 2017-12-21Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, International Fa, MN at 00:00Z on 2017-12-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 35 square meters per square second.1939587897117136Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1038 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
57 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
35 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
92 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

419 
WWUS43 KFGF 210130
WSWFGF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
730 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

MNZ022>024-027-028-211200-
/O.UPG.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KFGF.WS.W.0003.171221T0130Z-171221T1200Z/
Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-
Including the cities of Mahnomen, Naytahwaush, Waubun, Alida, 
Ebro, Lake Itasca, Long Lost Lake, Lower Rice Lake, Roy Lake, 
Upper Rice Lake, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, and Wolf Lake
730 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Plan on difficult travel
  conditions. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are
  expected. Total snowfall of 6 to 9 inches.

* WHERE...Mahnomen, South Clearwater, Hubbard, West Becker and 
  East Becker Counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

MNZ001-002-NDZ027-029-030-211200-
/O.UPG.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KFGF.WS.W.0003.171221T0130Z-171221T0800Z/
West Polk-Norman-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill-
Including the cities of Crookston, East Grand Forks, Ada, 
Twin Valley, Halstad, Grand Forks, Finley, Hope, Mayville, 
Hillsboro, Hatton, and Portland
730 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Plan on difficult travel
  conditions. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are
  expected. Tortal snowfall of 6 to 9 inches.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, West Polk and Norman Counties. In North 
  Dakota, Grand Forks, Steele and Traill Counties.

* WHEN...Until 2 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

NDZ006-014-015-024-026-028-038-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-
Including the cities of Cando, Fort Totten, Maddock, Leeds, 
Minnewaukan, Devils Lake, New Rockford, Lakota, Mcville, Aneta, 
Tolna, Cooperstown, and Valley City
730 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions. 
  Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at 
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

MNZ003-007>009-013>017-032-NDZ016-039-054-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Clay-West Marshall-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-
Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Wadena-
Eastern Walsh County-Cass-Western Walsh County-
Including the cities of Moorhead, Warren, Stephen, Argyle, 
Newfolden, Middle River, Grygla, Red Lake, Redby, Ponemah, 
Thief River Falls, Red Lake Falls, Fosston, Fertile, McIntosh, 
Erskine, Bagley, Clearbrook, Bemidji, Wadena, Menahga, Grafton, 
Park River, Fargo, Edinburg, Adams, and Lankin
730 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions. 
  Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest and west 
  central Minnesota and northeast and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at 
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

Gust
3 follow-up statements
317 
WWUS43 KFGF 210453
WSWFGF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
1053 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

MNZ007-NDZ006-014>016-024-026-054-210600-
/O.CAN.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
West Marshall-Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh County-Eddy-
Nelson-Western Walsh County-
Including the cities of Warren, Stephen, Argyle, Cando, 
Fort Totten, Maddock, Leeds, Minnewaukan, Devils Lake, Grafton, 
Park River, New Rockford, Lakota, Mcville, Aneta, Tolna, 
Edinburg, Adams, and Lankin
1053 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Snowfall has rapidly diminished to a few lingering flurries from 
the far northern Red River Valley to the Devils Lake Basin. Use
caution on snow covered roadways and walkways if traveling.

$$

MNZ001-002-NDZ027-029-030-210800-
/O.CON.KFGF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-171221T0800Z/
West Polk-Norman-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill-
Including the cities of Crookston, East Grand Forks, Ada, 
Twin Valley, Halstad, Grand Forks, Finley, Hope, Mayville, 
Hillsboro, Hatton, and Portland
1053 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Intermittent heavy snow is possible. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 2 
  inches are expected.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, West Polk and Norman Counties. In North 
  Dakota, Grand Forks, Steele and Traill Counties.

* WHEN...Until 2 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

MNZ022>024-027-028-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-
Including the cities of Mahnomen, Naytahwaush, Waubun, Alida, 
Ebro, Lake Itasca, Long Lost Lake, Lower Rice Lake, Roy Lake, 
Upper Rice Lake, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, and Wolf Lake
1053 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Plan on difficult travel
  conditions. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are 
  expected.

* WHERE...Mahnomen, South Clearwater, Hubbard, West Becker and 
  East Becker Counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

NDZ028-038-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Griggs-Barnes-
Including the cities of Cooperstown and Valley City
1053 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions. 
  Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected.

* WHERE...Griggs and Barnes Counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at 
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

MNZ003-008-009-013>017-032-NDZ039-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Clay-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-
North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Wadena-Cass-
Including the cities of Moorhead, Newfolden, Middle River, 
Grygla, Red Lake, Redby, Ponemah, Thief River Falls, 
Red Lake Falls, Fosston, Fertile, McIntosh, Erskine, Bagley, 
Clearbrook, Bemidji, Wadena, Menahga, and Fargo
1053 PM CST Wed Dec 20 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions.
  Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest and west 
  central Minnesota and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at 
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

Gust
013 
WWUS43 KFGF 210802
WSWFGF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
202 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

MNZ001-002-NDZ027-029-030-210915-
/O.EXP.KFGF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-171221T0800Z/
West Polk-Norman-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill-
Including the cities of Crookston, East Grand Forks, Ada, 
Twin Valley, Halstad, Grand Forks, Finley, Hope, Mayville, 
Hillsboro, Hatton, and Portland
202 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

Snow has diminished across the area this morning. As a result, the
Winter Storm Warning has been allowed to expire.

$$

MNZ008-009-013>017-NDZ028-210915-
/O.CAN.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-
North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Griggs-
Including the cities of Newfolden, Middle River, Grygla, 
Red Lake, Redby, Ponemah, Thief River Falls, Red Lake Falls, 
Fosston, Fertile, McIntosh, Erskine, Bagley, Clearbrook, Bemidji,
and Cooperstown
202 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Snow has diminished across the area this morning. As a result, the
Winter Storm Warning has been cancelled.

$$

MNZ022>024-027-028-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-
Including the cities of Mahnomen, Naytahwaush, Waubun, Alida, 
Ebro, Lake Itasca, Long Lost Lake, Lower Rice Lake, Roy Lake, 
Upper Rice Lake, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, and Wolf Lake
202 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY
THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Periods of snow occurring. Plan on difficult travel 
  conditions, including during the morning commute. Additional 
  snow accumulations of up to one inch are expected.

* WHERE...Mahnomen, South Clearwater, Hubbard, West Becker and 
  East Becker Counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST early this morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

MNZ003-NDZ038-039-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Clay-Barnes-Cass-
Including the cities of Moorhead, Valley City, and Fargo
202 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY
THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions, 
  including during the morning commute. Additional snow 
  accumulations of up to one inch are expected.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Clay County. In North Dakota, Barnes and 
  Cass Counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST early this morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at 
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

MNZ032-211200-
/O.CON.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Wadena-
Including the cities of Wadena and Menahga
202 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY
THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions,
  including during the morning commute. Additional snow
  accumulations of up to one inch are expected.

* WHERE...Wadena County.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST early this morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at 
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

Knutsvig
330 
WWUS43 KFGF 210946
WSWFGF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
346 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

MNZ022>024-027-028-211100-
/O.CAN.KFGF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-
Including the cities of Mahnomen, Naytahwaush, Waubun, Alida, 
Ebro, Lake Itasca, Long Lost Lake, Lower Rice Lake, Roy Lake, 
Upper Rice Lake, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, and Wolf Lake
346 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Snow has diminished across the area this morning. As a result, the
Winter Storm Warning has been cancelled.

$$

MNZ003-032-NDZ038-039-211100-
/O.CAN.KFGF.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-171221T1200Z/
Clay-Wadena-Barnes-Cass-
Including the cities of Moorhead, Wadena, Menahga, Valley City, 
and Fargo
346 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Snow has diminished across the area this morning. As a result, the
Winter Weather Advisory has been cancelled.

$$

Knutsvig

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Minnesota, 2017Winter Storm Warnings in North Dakota, 2017Every winter storm warning in 2017

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.