As the weekend approaches, residents across eastern North Dakota are bracing for yet another round of severe weather, just months after devastating storms swept through the state in June. According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, isolated severe thunderstorms are expected to develop late Sunday afternoon, September 14, 2025, and could persist into the early hours of Monday morning, September 15. The forecast calls for damaging wind gusts of up to 70 mph, hail as large as quarters, and a low but real chance for an isolated tornado.
Communities along the Red River Valley—including Fargo, Grand Forks, and Valley City—are considered to be at the greatest risk. The threat will peak Sunday evening and continue into the early overnight hours, raising concerns for those living and traveling in the region. While the overall threat level is considered low, forecasters warn that any thunderstorm that does form could produce brief but dangerous conditions. "Even though the risk is not widespread, any storm that develops could pack a punch," said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, as reported by local media outlets.
Travelers on Interstate 29 and Highway 2 are being urged to remain vigilant. Sudden wind gusts and reduced visibility could make driving treacherous if storms pass through the area. The National Weather Service has advised residents to secure outdoor items, charge cell phones and other devices in case of power outages, and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. "It only takes one storm to cause significant disruption, so preparation is key," the agency emphasized in its latest briefing.
For those who have lived through North Dakota's unpredictable weather, these warnings are nothing new. But the memory of the destructive storms that hit the state earlier this summer is still fresh. On June 20 and 21, 2025, a wave of tornadoes and straight-line winds tore through communities, leaving a trail of destruction across the region. According to KXNET, the violent weather event caused widespread damage, prompting an urgent response from state and federal officials.
In the aftermath of the June storms, federal assistance was quickly mobilized to help North Dakota recover. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that President Trump approved federal disaster assistance for the state, opening the door for much-needed recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas. The disaster declaration covers nineteen counties: Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill, and Wells. These counties now qualify for Public Assistance funding, which will help state agencies, Tribal Nations, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations repair or replace facilities damaged during the storm.
Katherine B. Fox was appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer to oversee the recovery operations. Her role is to ensure that federal resources are distributed efficiently and that the needs of affected communities are met. FEMA has indicated that additional areas could be added to the disaster declaration if further assessments reveal more damage than initially reported. This ongoing evaluation underscores the scale of the June event and the challenges of recovery in rural and urban communities alike.
For local governments and nonprofit organizations, the federal assistance is a lifeline. Many facilities—ranging from schools and public works buildings to emergency response centers—sustained significant damage during the June storms. The funding will allow for repairs and replacements, helping communities regain a sense of normalcy. Tribal Nations in the affected counties are also eligible for support, ensuring that recovery efforts are inclusive and far-reaching.
The recent spate of severe weather has highlighted the vulnerability of North Dakota’s infrastructure. Straight-line winds and tornadoes can cause extensive damage in a matter of minutes, toppling trees, downing power lines, and damaging homes and businesses. The June storms were a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the value of rapid federal response. As FEMA’s declaration makes clear, recovery is a collective effort—one that involves federal, state, Tribal, and local partners working in concert.
As North Dakotans steel themselves for the potential storms on Sunday, the lessons of the past summer are front of mind. The National Weather Service’s guidance—to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and stay alert to warnings—reflects the hard-earned wisdom of a region accustomed to extreme weather. For those traveling on major highways like Interstate 29 and Highway 2, the advice is simple but potentially life-saving: be prepared for sudden changes in conditions, and don’t take unnecessary risks if storms are in the vicinity.
Although the chance for severe weather is expected to diminish by early Monday morning, forecasters have cautioned that additional updates may be issued if conditions become more favorable for storm development. This means residents should remain vigilant throughout the evening and overnight hours. Weather in North Dakota can turn quickly, and being caught off guard can have serious consequences.
Looking ahead, the state’s ongoing recovery from the June storms continues to shape community priorities. The federal disaster declaration not only brings financial resources but also underscores the importance of resilience planning and infrastructure investment. As communities repair and rebuild, there’s a renewed focus on making public facilities more resistant to severe weather—a goal that could help mitigate the impact of future storms.
For now, the immediate concern is the approaching weather system. The National Weather Service and local officials are urging everyone in eastern North Dakota to take the forecast seriously and make the necessary preparations. Whether it’s securing patio furniture, checking emergency kits, or simply staying tuned to the latest weather alerts, small actions could make a big difference if storms materialize.
In a state where the weather can change in the blink of an eye, vigilance and preparation are the watchwords. With federal recovery efforts underway from the summer’s devastation and new storms on the horizon, North Dakotans are once again reminded of the power—and unpredictability—of nature. As Sunday evening approaches, all eyes will be on the skies, hoping for a quiet night but ready for whatever comes their way.