GRAND FORKS - The Grand Forks region and much of eastern North Dakota are bracing for an approaching ice storm, adding to a string of challenging weather conditions in the area. The region has already experienced heavy fog, flight cancellations, and rain leading up to this potential ice storm. This uncharacteristic weather pattern contrasts sharply with last year's blizzards and subzero temperatures.

The National Weather Service issued an ice storm warning for nearly all of extreme eastern North Dakota, except Walsh and Cavalier counties, which are situated in the northeastern corner of the state. The warning encompasses various cities including Grand Forks and Fargo, along with several counties such as Grand Forks, Nelson, Griggs, Steele, and Traill, among others. Several other counties in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota are under winter weather advisories or watches, with no blizzard warnings currently in effect.

According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain is expected to impact much of the region from Monday into Tuesday, resulting in potential travel disruptions. The highest impact is anticipated in parts of eastern North Dakota, where there is a 50-80% chance of significant ice accumulation.

Forecasted projections indicate that the ice storm will bring at least a 10th of an inch of ice accumulation across the region, starting Monday afternoon and lasting through Tuesday. The highest probabilities are reported for Valley City at 99%, Finley at 95%, Foreman at 92%, Grand Forks at 84%, and Fargo at 83%. The event is expected to begin as snow in many areas before transitioning into freezing rain.

WDAY meteorologist Charles Pekar predicts that flurries will move into some regions before transitioning into a wintry mix that includes freezing rain. The freezing rain is expected to materialize in northwestern Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota on Monday afternoon, progressively moving north and westward. In Grand Forks, it is likely to start as flurries in the afternoon and transition into freezing rain in the evening. Freezing rain is anticipated to persist in the northern valley until Tuesday, according to both WDAY and the National Weather Service.

This weather phenomenon contradicts the usual patterns in the region, where precipitation typically starts as rain and transitions to snow. Moreover, temperatures are usually much colder at this time of the year.

Looking back at last year's weather conditions, Fargo and Grand Forks witnessed a bitter December cold wave, with temperatures dropping below zero, reaching as low as -25 degrees Celsius. The record cold was accompanied by a blizzard that brought high wind gusts and dangerous wind chills.

Prior to this ice storm warning, the region experienced a foggy and rainy period, causing travel disruptions in the days leading up to Christmas. Dense fog affected various areas, particularly Grand Forks, on December 22-23, impacting both road and air travel. Flight cancellations were reported, including flights from Grand Forks to Minneapolis and Mesa, Arizona.

Fortunately, relief from the inclement weather is on the horizon. The National Weather Service forecasts sunny skies and temperatures in the low 30s from Wednesday through Friday, bringing a much-needed respite for the region.