GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NWS) – A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the region from now until Thursday, December 19th at 6:00PM CST by the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks.

Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in portions of northwest and west central Minnesota and southeast North Dakota from 9 PM Wednesday, December 18th through Thursday, December 19th until 6 PM CST.

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous with blowing and drifting show. Whiteout conditions are expected in the open country making travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

No travel will be advised in the open country, if you do travel make sure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle and charged up cell phone to call for help if you get stranded.