High Wind Warning Issued for Central North Dakota and James River Valley

Alert Details

A High Wind Warning (NWS Alert Type: HWW) has been issued by the National Weather Service in Bismarck, ND. The alert is in effect from Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of central North Dakota, including the James River Valley. Specifically, the following counties are affected:

• McHenry
• Sheridan
• Wells
• Foster
• Kidder
• Stutsman
• Logan
• La Moure
• McIntosh
• Dickey

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should secure outdoor items that could be blown around by strong winds. Use extreme caution when traveling, especially those operating high-profile vehicles which may find travel difficult. Be prepared for significantly reduced visibility if winds combine with falling snow.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speed: Sustained northwest winds around 40 mph.
• Wind Gusts: Potential for gusts up to 70 mph.
• Impacts: Possible damage to roofs, signs, and small outbuildings.
• Visibility: Significant reductions in visibility are possible in areas where strong winds coincide with falling snow.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective starting at 1:00 PM CDT on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 4:00 AM CDT on Friday, March 13, 2026.