Elevated Risk: Torrential Rains & Severe Storms In North Dakota

The Storm Prediction Center with the National Weather Service has much of North Dakota at an elevated risk for severe weather tomorrow.

A good share of the state is at a marginal risk for severe weather tomorrow, Wednesday, August 14th.

What are the impacts expected?

Thunderstorms that are capable of producing damaging winds up to 60 miles per hour, and torrential rainfall from slow-moving storms, which could cause localized areas of flash flooding.  A few of the stronger storms could produce hail up to quarter size.  Tornadoes are unlikely with this system.

According to reports, some weather models say that up to 5 inches of rain could fall in some areas.  Keep in mind, that this is a weather model and NOT a forecast.

The National Weather Service in Bismarck is saying that 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall in the Bismarck Mandan area.

With many area farmers just beginning or about to start harvesting small grains, this is not a welcome forecast.  This could delay harvest for a few days for some of these landowners.

Thunderstorms and showers are expected to develop in western North Dakota on Tuesday afternoon and move east.  We have a slight chance of seeing a few thundershowers this afternoon and evening (20 to 40%).

A better chance (80%) for showers and thunderstorms will happen Wednesday and linger for a good share of the day.  These slow-moving storms could drop heavy rain in certain areas.  A few of the storms could become severe.

Be weather-aware on Wednesday, especially of the flash flooding potential.