FARGO (KFGO) - So far, eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota have only received rain. The two day rainfall total at the KFGO studio's is 1.12. But to the west, an early winter storm is dumping what may be record or near record amounts of snow. Much of central and western North Dakota remain in a winter storm warning.
Jeff Schild is a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Bismarck and has been taking in some impressive snowfall reports. 10 to 12 inches has been reported in a swath from Minot to Bismarck-Mandan. The highest snowfall amount so far is 18 inches at Van Hook Park, along the north shore of Lake Sakakawea. KFGO Meteorologist Tom Szymanski says the small community is likely getting some lake effect snowfall.
Schild says the Bismarck-Mandan area could pick up another five to six inches by the time storm system moves out Wednesday. Area's to the south of Mandan, in and around the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, have picked up similar amounts. Because of the harsh conditions, Governor Dalrymle issued an emergency evacuation order for thousands of people staying at the Dakota Access Pipeline protest camp.
