Grand Forks, N.D. – Residents across eastern North Dakota should prepare for the potential of severe thunderstorms developing this evening and continuing into the overnight hours as a cold front sweeps across the region. The strongest storms could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts, and dangerous travel conditions before pushing into western Minnesota late tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, the region is under a Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk for this evening and overnight. Forecasters say the primary hazards include hail up to the size of golf balls and wind gusts up to 75 mph, with the greatest threat centered over eastern North Dakota before storms track east into Minnesota.
Communities including Grand Forks, Fargo, Valley City, and surrounding areas could see isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms as the cold front advances. While the tornado threat is considered low, any storm that becomes severe could quickly produce damaging winds capable of downing tree limbs, causing isolated power outages, and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight, including wireless emergency alerts or NOAA Weather Radio. Those with evening travel plans should be prepared for rapidly changing weather, reduced visibility in heavy rain, and localized road hazards.
The severe weather threat is expected to shift into western and central Minnesota later tonight as the cold front moves east. Additional watches or warnings may be issued if thunderstorms intensify.
