Blizzard Danny Returns, Bringing Stormy Weekend to the Region
The Red River Valley is bracing for Blizzard Danny, which has been officially named after former UND football star and coach Danny Freund. This storm follows closely on the heels of another blizzard, bringing hazardous conditions to eastern North Dakota and parts of northwest Minnesota.
Blizzard Conditions Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for 17 counties in eastern North Dakota and several in northwest Minnesota. These warnings are in effect from Sunday, January 18, continuing through Monday, January 19.
Travel Warnings Issued
Travel restrictions are in place across the affected areas. No-travel advisories have been posted, emphasizing the danger of venturing out during these conditions. While Interstate 29 was initially open, it was later closed from Grand Forks to the Canadian border due to severe weather impacts.
- Wind-blown snow creating difficult travel situations.
- Visibility dropping to near zero in and around Grand Forks.
- Warning of whiteout conditions expected to persist.
This storm, Blizzard Danny, is the fourth of the season in the Grand Forks area. It follows Blizzard Alice, Blizzard Brad, and Blizzard Cassie, which recently impacted the region. Notably, Blizzard Danny is part of a historical naming convention started by the Grand Forks Herald in 1990, which honors local figures.
Expected Snowfall and Temperature Drops
Forecasts suggest that parts of the region will receive between 1 to 4 inches of snow. Specific areas such as Valley City and Fargo may see up to 2 inches, while Grand Forks and surrounding locales might receive more. Moreover, wind chills are expected to plummet into the minus-30s on Monday.
University of North Dakota Closure
In anticipation of the severe weather, the University of North Dakota has announced a temporary closure starting from Saturday evening at 10 p.m. The campus will remain closed until 8 a.m. on Monday, January 19. The closure affects all facilities, including:
- UND Wellness Center
- Chester Fritz Library
- Memorial Union
Only essential staff are expected to report to work, with non-essential personnel advised to stay home.
Historical Context
The current blizzard season has seen four significant storms so far. Historically, the Red River Valley experiences severe blizzards, with the record being eight occurrences in both the winters of 1996-97 and 2021-22. Meteorologists expect conditions similar to previous storms, leading to a cautious approach from both authorities and residents.
As Blizzard Danny prepares to impact the region, residents are reminded to prioritize safety and heed local advisories. Delaying travel is strongly recommended to avoid the risks associated with severe winter weather.
