Dickinson, N.D. – Severe thunderstorms could rattle parts of western North Dakota through late Sunday night, with the National Weather Service placing Stark, Dunn, and Bowman counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11 p.m. MDT.
According to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., the watch includes nine counties across the state’s southwest quadrant—Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, McKenzie, Slope, and Stark. Residents in these areas should prepare for damaging winds up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and quarter-size hail.
Drivers along U.S. Highway 85 and I-94 may encounter hazardous conditions this evening, particularly near Dickinson, Belfield, and Bowman. Local emergency managers advise staying indoors during lightning storms and securing loose outdoor items that could become airborne in strong gusts.
The system moving through the region is fueled by a cold front clashing with warm, moist air, sparking instability typical of early May storm patterns. This is the first organized severe weather event of the season for many western counties.
Storms may continue to develop and shift eastward overnight. Additional warnings could be issued, and residents are encouraged to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts. The current watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. MDT.
