Central North Dakota Weather: Snowfall Expected to Reach Five Feet

Glance outside my window into the parking lot below, and you will see multiple piles of snow pushed up to over six feet in height. In central North Dakota, the county road foreman and the city public works director both agreed we have gotten over 40 inches of snow since the blizzard in November . The 40-inch estimate was last week. Since then, we have received 15 more inches, according to our local radio station's weather reporter.

Due to an Alberta clipper headed our way tonight, central North Dakota is expected to receive another three - five inches of snow. If this forecast is correct, that would bring our total up to 60 inches, or five feet.

Snow removal on the streets and county roads

County and city road crews are working 16-hour days to keep on top of accumulation of snow. The problem in-town is finding a place to haul and dump the mountains of snow. According to my city's public works director, they have places to put the snow, but those spots are filling up and they are looking to haul the snow even further away, which adds time they don't have to try to clear the streets.

County blade men are fighting against Mother Nature and her constant wind. According to the county road foreman, as soon as the blade men make a sweep down the roadways to clear the snow, the wind picks up and fills it back in again.

Blowing snow has cut visibility on the roadways down to zero at times. County snow plow operators are urging drivers to use caution on the roadways, especially when meeting a plow. Tips for avoiding an accident with a snow plow can be found here .

School closings due to blizzard conditions

Last Friday, area schools in central North Dakota were closed due to the ten inches of snow and the accompanying wind. Yesterday, schools were closed once again as five more inches of snow fell. Snow plows were rushing Monday to open roads, especially since they weren't caught up from the snowfall last week.

A chat with the high school principal revealed some worry as he stated, "We'll have a lot of school to make up."

Snow causes structural damage

Minot's Wal-Mart store was closed Sunday, January 11, and remains closed as heavy snow on the roof may have caused structural damage. According to KXMC-Minot, a Wal-Mart spokesperson said they are following standard safety procedures to protect their employees and customers. Crews are currently working to remove the snow from the roof, although that project is expected to take three to four days.

According to the Associated Press, the roof at Skovy's Autoplex, Bismarck, collapsed Sunday, crushing nine mint condition muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. Estimated value of the cars is $300,000.

Sources:

"Wal-Mart closed", KXMC-Minot

"After the blizzard comes the cold", Associated Press