Damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of a tornado or two all are expected this afternoon and into the evening in eastern North Dakota.
Jacob Spender is a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Grand Forks. He says there is a lot of unstable air across the northern plains, and as clusters of storms form across North Dakota and Minnesota, they will become more organized as the day wears on. Spender says these variables add up to a very active day across the area.
"Early on in the event, we're looking at hail up to 2 inches, damaging wind threat of up to 75 miles per hour, and the potential for a couple tornadoes as well. Localized flooding will also be an issue across the area, and then by the late afternoon and early evening we are looking at a damaging wind threat and isolated tornado threat, with winds up to 80, potential for isolated tornadoes, and hail up to an inch to an inch and a half."
These impacts may be seen across eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Spender says residents should monitor weather reports, have a way to receive emergency warnings this afternoon and evening, and have a plan to be able to take sturdy shelter in place.