Widespread Precipitation and Gusty Winds in the West; Snow from the Great Lakes to the Northeast

A Pacific storm system is expected to bring strong winds and more precipitation to the western U.S., along with the likelihood of snowfall into the Sierra Nevada. Accumulating snow will develop downwind from the Great Lakes into parts of the Northeast through Saturday. Polar air will surge into the eastern half of the country this weekend. Read More >

ND Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week: April 27 through May 1, 2026

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Severe Thunderstorms	Lightning	Tornadoes	Flash Flooding	Extreme Heat and Fire Weather

Proclamation from Governor Armstrong 2026 NDDES Coloring Contest Severe Thunderstorm Definition

North Dakota is served by two National Weather Service offices, with one office in Bismarck and one in Grand Forks. The Bismarck office serves 36 counties and 3 Tribal Nations across western and central North Dakota, while the Grand Forks office serves 17 counties and 2 Tribal Nations in eastern North Dakota.

A Severe Thunderstorm is defined as a thunderstorm capable of producing:

Wind gusts of 58 mph or greater and/or
Hail of one inch in diameter or larger

In addition to damaging winds and large hail, severe thunderstorms are also capable of producing tornadoes, flash flooding and deadly lightning.

What is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch?

Severe Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Stay away from windows!! Flying debris and wind driven hail can break windows sending shards of glass through the air.
If camping, seek shelter inside a sturdy building as campers/RVs can be easily flipped by damaging winds associated with severe thunderstorms. Falling trees and large hail can easily penetrate the thin walls of a tent.
Those in mobile homes should go to their designated storm shelter. Destructive straight-line winds are capable of causing significant damage to mobile homes.

Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing tornadoes with little warning. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite media outlet for frequent weather updates.

BIS RSS Feed

Widespread Precipitation and Gusty Winds in the West; Snow from the Great Lakes to the Northeast

North Dakota Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week April 27 through May 1, 2026