Grand Forks, N.D. – Residents across northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota should prepare for a blustery end to the workweek as powerful winds surge through the Red River Valley Friday. According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a wind advisory has been issued from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., warning that gusts could reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour during the afternoon and evening. These conditions are expected to create hazardous travel, minor property damage, and the possibility of scattered power outages as the region braces for an unsettled day.
Communities within the advisory zone include Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Valley City, Crookston, Thief River Falls, and Roseau, all of which can expect similar conditions as the cold front responsible for the gusts pushes across the region. The timing of the strongest winds will coincide with the afternoon and early evening hours, a period when roadways are busy with commuter traffic and when outdoor activities are still common, making the threat of dangerous conditions more pronounced.
Travelers, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles such as trucks, RVs, and trailers, will face the most significant risks. The open stretches of Interstate 29, Highway 2, and numerous rural county roads are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds, which can create sudden sways or force drivers to overcorrect. Authorities are advising drivers to reduce speeds, keep both hands firmly on the wheel, and remain vigilant for rapidly changing conditions along exposed routes.
Beyond the hazards to drivers, residents across the advisory area should take precautions around their homes and properties. Loose outdoor items such as trash bins, lawn chairs, and patio furniture are likely to be tossed about in the strong winds if left unsecured. Even heavier objects can shift in sudden gusts, raising the potential for property damage or injury. Homeowners are being encouraged to secure or store these items in advance of Friday’s strongest winds.
Another concern lies in the impact on trees and power infrastructure. Gusts approaching 40 miles per hour can snap weakened tree limbs, which may fall across roads, vehicles, or power lines. This raises the possibility of scattered outages, particularly in rural communities where power lines run long distances across exposed fields. Utility crews are preparing to respond if outages occur, though officials note that widespread, long-lasting power disruptions are not currently expected.
The wind advisory will expire at 8 p.m., but forecasters caution that blustery conditions may linger into early Saturday morning before a gradual calming trend returns. By Saturday afternoon, winds should ease to more typical late-summer breezes, offering a respite after a turbulent period. However, meteorologists emphasize that additional advisories could be issued if gusts remain stronger than forecast or if conditions deteriorate unexpectedly.
For now, residents across the Red River Valley are urged to remain cautious, secure outdoor belongings, and plan for a potentially challenging commute. While winds of this strength are not unusual for the Northern Plains, the combination of timing, strength, and exposure makes this advisory one to take seriously. Friday’s gusts will serve as a reminder of how quickly weather in the region can shift from calm to hazardous, underscoring the importance of preparation and awareness whenever conditions intensify.
