National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Dangerous Heat in the Central and Eastern U.S.; Severe Thunderstorms in the Central U.S. and Northeast; Critical Fire Weather in the Four Corners

Dangerous, record-breaking heat will intensify across most of the central and eastern U.S this week. Heat indices will likely exceed 100 degrees. Severe thunderstorms are forecast from parts of the central High Plains into the Upper Midwest, and across parts of the Northeast. Critical fire weather conditions will continue across portions of the Four Corners and Great Basin. Read More >

Overview

A significant winter storm brought widespread blizzard conditions to western and central North Dakota from April 12th through April 14th, 2022.

Snow began in southwestern North Dakota early in the morning on Tuesday, April 12th, and quickly expanded into central North Dakota during the morning hours, then gradually into northern North Dakota through the rest of the day. Conditions deteriorated rapidly due to heavy snow and high winds, with a No Travel Advisory issued by the NDDOT by late morning for much of the southwest and south central. At 5 PM on Tuesday, Interstate 94 was closed from the Montana state line to Jamestown. Many roads were difficult to impossible to travel on due to blowing and drifting snow. 

Heavy snowfall rates continued Wednesday, and winds shifted to the northwest with many gusts reported around 60 mph. Blowing and drifting snow remained a significant problem.

Overall snowfall was 1 to 3 feet, with drifts exceeding 8 feet (see photos below)! While we continue to analyze the data, check back here for updates. 

Image
Drifting snow completely blocked this door in Stanley, North Dakota.

(Courtesy of Stephanie LeeAnn Wheeler)

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