Tornado Warning Issued Amid Storms in Grand Forks

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A storm with a tornado warning swept through Greater Grand Forks early Friday morning. The warning was issued at 4:12 a.m. as heavy rain and high winds approached the region.

Tornado sirens sounded at 4:20 a.m., but there were no confirmed tornadoes reported in or around Greater Grand Forks. WDAY meteorologist Lydia Blume explained, “Sometimes that leading edge gets some rotation,” during a live broadcast at 4:15 a.m.

The storm line stretched across North Dakota, from the Canada border to the South Dakota border. By 4:30 a.m., the tornado warning expired, and the sirens ceased. A rain gauge in Grand Forks recorded just over half an inch of precipitation shortly before 5 a.m.

The National Weather Service (NWS) indicated that more storms could arrive later on Friday, with a high temperature expected to reach around 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Jim Kaiser, an NWS meteorologist, stated, “We are continuing to look at this uncertain, evolving timeframe.”

Forecasters warned of the potential for damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes as storms develop throughout the day. Kaiser also mentioned concerns about flooding, noting, “We could see 2-3 inches with the heavier strong storms.”

WDAY Chief Meteorologist Jesse Ritka remarked that storms could diminish in intensity as they move into the Grand Forks area. “It doesn’t look to be as big of a deal as originally thought,” she said. “But this has been a summer for Friday storms.”

NWS advises residents to stay informed about weather warnings. If severe weather arises, people should go indoors and away from windows, or seek shelter in a vehicle if necessary.