Another winter storm coming this way soon

Talk about it

The meteorologists seem to be in agreement, another winter storm is headed our way. If it materializes, it would be the third of the season.

“It’s a complex situation and still a ways away,” said Todd Hamilton, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck. “But we could be looking at two waves of weather coming through this weekend. From Friday afternoon through Friday night we could get 3 to 6 inches (of snow) followed by break on Saturday and then another shot Sunday to Sunday night with some areas getting another 3 to 6 inches.”

Hamilton said the 6- to 12-inch forecast for the entire system covers all of western and central North Dakota with heavier snow possible in some localized areas. Jamestown currently has a snow depth of 14 inches and has received 24 inches since Jan. 1.

“This doesn’t look to be another Christmas storm,” said Daryl Ritchison, meteorologist for Forum Communications Co. “But it does have a potential for some heavy snow.”

Ritchison’s forecast anticipates 5 to 10 inches of snow.

“It is a pretty typical snowstorm,” he said. “But no mater what the snow amount, what makes me most nervous is the freezing rain at the beginning of the storm and the wind that will develop towards the end of the storm.”

Hamilton said the leading edge of the low pressure system could bring some mixed precipitation to the Jamestown area Friday afternoon or evening. The rain and sleet would change to snow overnight but taper off Saturday.

“Saturday may not look too bad,” he said. “But Sunday, on the backside of the low, we’ll get more precipitation and winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 35.”

All in all, the three-day weather system includes possible icy conditions from freezing rain or sleet, moderate to heavy snowfall and strong winds. The forecast has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Watch for all of central and western North Dakota effective from Friday afternoon through Monday morning. The watch may be adjusted or upgraded as the storm system gets closer.

“The general idea is that travel will be difficult Saturday through Monday,” Ritchison said.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at

(701) 952-8452 or by e-mail at knorman@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, north dakota, news, snow, storm, weather, cold