Grand Forks, North Dakota – Severe thunderstorms are set to strike eastern North Dakota on Friday afternoon, bringing damaging winds, hail, and the possibility of tornadoes through the overnight hours. The area from Valley City to Grand Forks faces the highest risk, with emergency agencies urging residents to stay prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
What to Expect
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, thunderstorms will develop on Friday and could bring hail as large as golf balls, wind gusts up to 75 mph, and the potential for isolated tornadoes, particularly in counties along the Red River Valley. The storm threat will continue into Friday night, with the likelihood of power outages, tree damage, and road hazards in cities like Grand Forks, Fargo, Devils Lake, and other surrounding communities.
Safety Tips
Residents are urged to:
Stay weather-aware by keeping multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including weather radios and smartphone alerts.
Avoid unnecessary travel after storms begin, as high winds and hail can create dangerous road conditions.
Review your severe weather plan now and know where to go if a warning is issued.
Secure outdoor items and move vehicles to shelter to protect them from strong winds and hail, which could cause significant damage in a short period of time.
Ongoing Risk
The severe weather risk will remain high through early Saturday, with updated forecasts expected as more details become available. Additional watches and warnings may be issued, so stay alert for changes as the storms approach.
