snow_measurementFARGO, N.D. (AP) – Some residents of southeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota were surprised by heavy snowfall.

The National Weather Service says a narrow band of snow 10-20 miles wide dropped between 6 and 15 inches of snow early Thursday. The agency posted winter storm warnings and advisories for the area.

KFGO Meteorologist Tom Szymanski (shu-MAHN’-skee) says such storm systems are called mesoscale banding and are rare. They create narrow bands of heavy snow while leaving nearby areas with little or no snow.

Lowell Siebels lives just north of Harwood. He  says the snow was so deep he had trouble opening his door.

6-9 inches of new snow from overnight in the Casselton, and Mapleton areas.

North of Fargo up to a foot of new snow in the Georgetown area.

A few inches of new snow overnight in the Fargo area.

13 inches reported north of Harwood, 2 inches fell in West Fargo and just over an inch in south Fargo.

An inch or less fell in Valley City but 7 miles south of Valley City about 3 to 4 inches is being reported.

A dusting of snow in Jamestown with a trace of precipitation on top of a coating of freezing mist.

The Highway Patrol is advising motorists to exercise caution due to slippery road surfaces this morning in southeastern North Dakota.