Grand Forks, N.D. – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for large portions of North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota through 10 p.m. CDT Friday, with dangerous storms expected to impact the region just as July 4 celebrations begin.
According to the Storm Prediction Center and National Weather Service in Grand Forks, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 486 includes cities such as Grand Forks, Fargo, Bemidji, Duluth, Wahpeton, Watertown, and dozens of rural counties. The main threats include 70 mph wind gusts, quarter-size hail, frequent lightning, and flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas.
Storms are expected to begin between 2–5 p.m. in northern counties including Roseau, Polk, and Grand Forks; from 5–8 p.m. in Fargo, Valley City, and Bemidji; and after 8 p.m. across Wahpeton, Lisbon, and Roberts County in northeast South Dakota. Rain will linger well beyond the onset window, raising the risk of localized flooding.
Counties under the watch include Cass, Traill, Stutsman, Otter Tail, Becker, Aitkin, Carlton, and Wilkin, among many others. Travel on I-29, Highway 10, and Highway 2 could be impacted by reduced visibility and ponding water.
Residents should stay indoors during storms, secure outdoor items, and keep phones charged in case of power outages. Multiple warnings may be issued across the watch area.
The watch remains in effect until 10 p.m., but additional warnings or advisories could continue into the night as storms push southeastward.
