Grand Forks, N.D. – Severe thunderstorms could strike eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota late Friday, bringing damaging winds up to 70 mph, hail up to 1.75 inches, and a possible tornado, especially around the Red River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a warm and unstable air mass will collide with an upper-level disturbance and surface front, sparking isolated to scattered severe storms across central North Dakota by mid-afternoon Friday. Storms are expected to intensify and spread eastward through Grand Forks, Devils Lake, and Valley City into the evening hours.
The primary threats include frequent lightning, damaging winds, and large hail. A tornado is possible—particularly during the late afternoon and evening near Grand Forks and the eastern third of the state. Overnight, storms could extend into Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, and Fergus Falls, Minnesota, with west-central regions seeing activity by midnight.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, review emergency plans, and have multiple ways to receive alerts. Avoid non-essential travel during peak storm hours, especially in open areas or near rural highways.
The severe storm risk remains elevated through early Saturday. Additional advisories may be issued Friday morning.
