North Dakotans should brace for some of the most extreme weather of the year today.
The National Weather Service offices in Bismarck and Grand Forks have issued severe storm threat advisories for this afternoon and evening across the entire state.
The first effects are expected early this afternoon, around 3 p.m., in the Bowman and Dickinson areas. Western North Dakota was battered by wind and two confirmed tornadoes Sunday. Those areas will likely see the weaker impacts of today’s storm as it gathers strength and moves east.
The NWS has issued Level 1 and Level 2 storm threat advisories for those areas, with isolated to scattered thunderstorms expected. Wind gusts could approach 80 miles per hour, and tornado formation is possible, though less likely.
The storm is expected to strengthen as it moves into central and eastern North Dakota. Impacts could begin in the Bismarck area around 5 to 6 p.m. The NWS has the threat level at 3 from there eastward, with numerous thunderstorms expected, including possible supercell development and dangerous hail as large as tennis balls. Forecasters say multiple tornadoes also could develop from the evening into the overnight hours.
Anyone in North Dakota today is urged to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, know where safe shelter is, and be ready to move to that safe area immediately if warned.
Forecasts can change, and they are likely to change. Stay alert for changing conditions and timelines as the storm approaches.
Weather information in the Midwest has been hampered by the lack of traditional daily weather balloon launches and funding cuts to offices. Tornadoes earlier this year in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Kansas surprised residents, who were warned only minutes before they hit. No weather balloons were launched that day, causing local officials and those at the National Weather Service to raise alarms about less-timely warnings in the future.
KSJB Radio will have live coverage during the storm should the situation deteriorate and become dangerous. Download the KSJB Radio mobile app to listen anywhere in the country.
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