Dickinson, North Dakota

... Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 6 am CST /5 am MST/
this morning to 6 am CST /5 am MST/ Friday...
... Blizzard watch in effect from Friday morning through Saturday
afternoon...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Winter
Weather Advisory for snow and blowing snow... which is in effect
from 6 am CST /5 am MST/ this morning to 6 am CST /5 am MST/
Friday. A blizzard watch has also been issued. This blizzard
watch is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday
afternoon. The Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect.

* Snow will develop across western North Dakota Wednesday morning
with snowfall intensity increasing Wednesday afternoon and evening.

* Snowfall amounts will range from 3 to 6 inches across western
and northwestern North Dakota through Friday.

* Northwesterly winds of 15 to 25 mph at times will create areas
of blowing and drifting snow through Thursday night... reducing
visibility to one half mile or less. Gusts of 35 to 40 mph are
likely to develop Friday into Saturday possibly bringing blizzard
conditions.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow and blowing snow means that
visibilities will be limited due to a combination of falling and
blowing snow. Use caution when traveling... especially in open
areas.

A blizzard watch means there is a potential for falling and/or
blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities.
This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very
dangerous.

12/22/2009 0700 am

Dickinson, Stark County.

Snow m6.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.


            24 hour snowfall





12/21/2009 1114 am

10 miles W of Dickinson, Stark County.

Snow e1.5 inch, reported by law enforcement.


            Highway patrol estimated up to 1 1/2 inches.





12/21/2009 1117 am

15 miles S of South Heart, Stark County.

Snow m1.2 inch, reported by trained spotter.


            Total snowfall through 11 am.

... Safety rules for winter storm warnings...

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by your National Weather
Service in North Dakota. The following safety rules should insure
your survival.

A brief reminder... a warning means the storm is actually occurring
or is imminent.

Do not venture out into the storm unless absolutely necessary.
Most winter storm fatalities involved people who left a place of
safety while the storm was in progress.

If you must go out... dress warmly. It is very important to keep your
head... hands and feet protected. Most of the bodys heat is lost
through the outer extremities... especially the head.

On the Road... you should have winter survival gear in your vehicle.
If stranded in the storm... stay in your vehicle. Run the engine
sparingly to conserve fuel.

Circulate fresh air in the car by opening one of the windows
slightly. Turn on the dome light at night. Maintain a continuous
watch and do not let everyone in the vehicle sleep at the same time.

Monitor the latest weather reports... if possible... and wait
patiently for the storm to subside.