Local officials preparing for winter storm approaching the region

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the entire region starting early Tuesday morning. And local officials are preparing for what’s next.

“We’ll have a full crew at 11 p.m. tonight. And then there will be a street supervisor out there, he’ll be monitoring the roadways, and if it starts out as rain, we’ll just wait for the conditions to slicken up and the temperatures to drop. And whenever we get that transition, that’s when we will go out there and put some treatment down on the streets,” said Corey Houim, Public Works Services Manager.

Houim says they are fully staffed and have been putting the plows together for the oncoming snow. As of Monday afternoon, sweepers are still out and about, but they say they are ready for snow.

“It may start out as straight snow, it might be cold enough, it just depends on what the temperatures are, when it does come down. And if we transition right into snow plowing, we’ll be able to do that as well. We’ll be prepared for whatever conditions come out, and we’ll have staff on hand,” said Houim.

Forecasters estimate the area could see about three to seven inches of snow. With increased winds and low visibility.

“We got to drive according to the conditions. We got to think about visibility. A lot of times, people drive in low visibility, for one minute you can see ahead of you and then you can get completely whited out with blowing wind and snow. So it’s just important to drive slow, so you’re not driving faster than what your perception distance is. And also, not too fast so you’re going to lose traction and go off the roadway,” said Sgt. Andrew Cashin, North Dakota State Patrol.

Cashin recommends checking online maps for the area you’re traveling to for road conditions. Be sure to check

If you plan to travel, make sure to watch the weather system and be sure to bundle up.