Blizzard — Pembina, North Dakota

1997-01-09 to 1997-01-10 · Pembina, North Dakota

Wider weather episode

An Alberta clipper raced across northeast North Dakota and then stalled over the Red River Valley, due to a blocking low pressure system over the Great Lakes. Strong winds and snow produced blizzard conditions across the area. A total of 8.8 inches of snow was reported in Grand Forks, while Fargo reported 7.5 inches. The heaviest snow fell across the Red River Valley between Grand Forks and Fargo. Many schools across the area were forced to close on the 9th and 10th. Transportation officials closed Interstates 29 and 94 in North Dakota, reporting it to be the 6th time that one or both interstates had been closed so far this winter. US Highway 2 was also closed from Lakota to Grand Forks. Despite the road closures, many motorists did attempt to travel, and had to be rescued during dangerous rescue attempts. One woman, whose car got stuck in the snow, died in the storm. At the governor's request, President Clinton declared the state a disaster area, the first statewide wintertime disaster declaration for North Dakota.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5586676. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.