Due to the large snowfall and compromised visibility, the City of West Fargo, West Fargo Police Department, and West Fargo Fire Department have issued a no travel advisory for West Fargo. Vehicles attempting to travel are experiencing minimal visibility and impassable roads, which is leading to a significant amount of stranded vehicles and dangerous situations.
Residents should remain at home and observe the following safety tips:
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Keep furnace exhausts clear of snowdrifts.
- Prepare for potential power outages.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Limit time outside.
- Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Snowplow operations
The West Fargo Public Works crew has been working since Sunday to keep snow emergency routes clear and assist first responders to clear routes to emergency calls for service. Per City of West Fargo policy, crews will continue to maintain snow emergency routes until the snowfall has ceased, the wind is no longer moving snow, and snow emergency routes are in good condition. According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions are expected to remain through 4 p.m. Monday with additional snow and strong wind gusts.
Snow emergency routes will remain the priority during the duration of this storm. Residents should remain patient while crews work and plan ahead for any delays in getting to work or appointments early this week due to the snow. To follow the crew’s progress, residents can visit http://westfargo.plowtracker.com/.
Municipal buildings closures and garbage collection cancellation
All West Fargo municipal buildings are now closed to the public. Monday's garbage collection will suspend service at 12 p.m. to keep vehicles off the road and provide snowplow crews with room to operate safely and efficiently. Weather and road conditions permitting, crews will rerun the whole Monday garbage route and Tuesday garbage route on Tuesday, Dec. 28. Garbage may be collected later than usual tomorrow to provide snowplow crews with room to operate safely and efficiently.
11:10 a.m. update: Waste Management, Inc., the City of West Fargo's recycling contractor, has announced that they will also be pulling their trucks and will finish their recycling routes tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 28.