Fargo, N.D. – Intense thunderstorms are expected across eastern North and northeastern South Dakota Friday evening, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 9 p.m. CDT.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 486 covers 13 counties in North Dakota and 4 in South Dakota. The watch includes major areas such as Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Aberdeen, and Sisseton, where damaging winds over 60 mph and large hail are possible.
In North Dakota, affected counties include Cass, Grand Forks, Barnes, Stutsman, and Richland. In South Dakota, the watch stretches across Brown, Day, Marshall, and Roberts counties. Strong cells are already forming along a cold front, increasing the risk of downed trees, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions on I-29 and U.S. Highway 281.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, stay indoors during lightning activity, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts. Storms may become severe quickly, especially into the early evening hours.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT, and additional warnings may be issued if storms strengthen further.
