Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Central U.S.; Heat Building in the Western U.S.

A cold front pressing east across the central U.S. will be the focus for areas of strong to severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall through this weekend. Strong to severe thunderstorms my bring damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes while excessive rainfall may lead to areas of flooding. Heat will build across the western U.S. with heat-related watches, warnings, and advisories issued. Read More >

ND Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week: April 28 through May 2, 2025

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

Proclamation from Governor Armstrong 2025 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

Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Central U.S.; Heat Building in the Western U.S.

North Dakota Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week April 28 through May 2, 2025