WASHINGTON, DC — A severe weather setup was aimed at a five-state stretch of the Northern Plains on Tuesday and Wednesday, with forecasters calling for the chance of 90 mph wind gusts and hail up to 2 inches across parts of Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota.
The most dangerous period was expected from late Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday morning as storms formed over the high terrain and pushed east along major travel routes.
What Forecasters Expect
The Weather Prediction Center kept a Slight Risk in place for both days, with the outlook covering the same broad region. The storm threat included large hail from stronger early cells, then a growing line of storms capable of widespread damaging wind overnight.
Forecasters also said the setup could support a localized tornado risk Wednesday afternoon near a secondary surface low along the North Dakota and South Dakota border. Flash flooding was also a concern in North Dakota, where a Slight Risk was posted for heavy rain.
Roads In The Storm Path
The most exposed corridors included I-90 through Rapid City and Wall, I-94 from Miles City through Bismarck and Jamestown, I-25 in eastern Wyoming and I-29 north of Sioux Falls. Open prairie sections on I-94 between Glendive and Mandan and on I-90 between Wall and Chamberlain were singled out as places with little natural shelter.
Drivers in North Dakota were told to check NDDOT Travel Info, while motorists in South Dakota were urged to watch SafeTravel USA before heading out in the evening.
Damage Risks And Timing
Forecasters warned that 2-inch hail could dent vehicles and crack windshields, while 70 to 90 mph straight-line gusts could make trailers and high-profile vehicles hard to control. The strongest storms were expected to start over eastern Montana and Wyoming Tuesday afternoon, then organize and move into western North Dakota and South Dakota overnight.
By Wednesday, the main threat zone was expected to shift east into central and eastern North Dakota and South Dakota, with western Minnesota also in the path as the weather system moved through.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.