Winter storm watch issued, Bemidji could see foot of new snow

BEMIDJI – A winter storm watch has been issued for northwest Minnesota, and the Bemidji area could receive the worst of the snow totals.

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks issued the watch, stating a low pressure will push snow into southeastern North Dakota and west central Minnesota after midnight Saturday. The storm will then track into the Red River Valley and northwest Minnesota on Sunday, lasting into Monday.

“The track of this system remains uncertain but at the moment it appears areas from Roseau to Grand Forks to Jamestown will be on the western edge of the main snow from this system, with up to 6 inches possible,” the weather service said in a statement. “The heaviest snowfall is currently forecast to be in an axis from Watertown, S.D., toward Wahpeton-Fergus Falls then to Bemidji, where snowfall totals near a foot is possible.”

The storm track could change, but the winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday through Monday morning, the weather service said.

In addition to snow totals, north winds between 10 and 25 mph across northwest Minnesota is expected Sunday afternoon.

“These winds, combined with falling snow, will bring greatly reduced visibilities in blowing snow,” the weather service said, adding conditions could impact travel.

Here is a look at the forecast.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. South wind 5-9 mph.

Sunday: Snow. High near 30. East northeast wind 7-16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Low around 22.

Monday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 25. Low around 7.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 22. Low around 11.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Low around 15.

Thursday: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.