Bad weather is heading towards parts of North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, and people living there need to stay alert. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place for 35 counties until 7 AM on Sunday, as strong storms are expected to move through the area overnight.
The weather could get rough, so it’s important for everyone to take precautions.
What’s Happening in North Dakota and Minnesota?
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch 547 late Saturday night. Storms began forming over central and eastern North Dakota and are moving towards Minnesota.
This watch includes major counties like Cass, Grand Forks, McKenzie, Ward in North Dakota and Beltrami, Marshall, and Lake of the Woods in Minnesota.
What Are the Dangers?
These storms are expected to bring:
Strong wind gusts up to 70 mph
Large hail that can damage property
Frequent lightning strikes
Risk of power outages and fallen trees, especially along highways like U.S. 2 and 281
Cities like Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are likely to experience the worst of the storm during the night. People in these areas should be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions.
Safety Tips During the Storm
Authorities are advising residents to:
Stay indoors and away from windows
Avoid traveling during storm hours unless necessary
Secure loose outdoor items like furniture or garden equipment
Keep mobile phones charged in case of power failure
It’s also a good idea to follow local weather updates or turn on weather alerts on your phone so you get quick warnings if things get worse.
When Will the Storm Calm Down?
Experts say that the storms will likely weaken after sunrise, but there’s still a chance that more warnings or watches could be issued if the weather continues to be rough in the morning. People living east of these areas should stay alert on Sunday morning too.
Stay Updated and Stay Safe
Weather like this can change quickly, so it’s important to be ready. If you’re in the affected counties, keep checking updates from the National Weather Service, especially if you plan to travel or work outdoors early Sunday. It’s better to be safe and cautious than caught off guard by a fast-moving storm.
