Alert archive / North Dakota / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 16, NWS Grand Forks, ND

July 9, 2026Eddy County, North Dakota

NWS Grand Forks, ND issued this tornado warning at Jul 9, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT for Eddy County, North Dakota. It was in force for 16 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Jul 9, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT (00:59 UTC)
Expired
Jul 9, 2026, 8:15 PM CDT
In force
16 min
Issued by
NWS Grand Forks, ND
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

County Eddy County, ND

The radar

The Fargo/Grand Forks radar (KMVX), 116 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:00 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 9, 5:27 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Bismarck Municip, ND (KBIS), launched 00:00Z, 1.0 hours before the alert went out and 170 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Bismarck Municip, ND at 00:00Z on 2026-07-10Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2759 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Bismarck Municip, ND at 00:00Z on 2026-07-10The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 108 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2759 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-19 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1678 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
28 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
108 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
265 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.6
Supercell composite
13.7

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

818 
WFUS53 KFGF 100059
TORFGF
NDC027-100115-
/O.NEW.KFGF.TO.W.0016.260710T0059Z-260710T0115Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
759 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  South central Eddy County in northeastern North Dakota...

* Until 815 PM CDT.

* At 759 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Brantford, or 18 miles northeast of Carrington,
  moving south at 30 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* Locations impacted include...
  Brantford.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!

&&

LAT...LON 4771 9882 4759 9873 4759 9895 4767 9897
TIME...MOT...LOC 0059Z 340DEG 27KT 4766 9888 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Thomas
1 follow-up statement
076 
WWUS53 KFGF 100113
SVSFGF

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
813 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

NDC027-100122-
/O.EXP.KFGF.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260710T0115Z/
Eddy ND-
813 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL EDDY COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT
815 PM CDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
northeastern North Dakota.

&&

LAT...LON 4771 9882 4759 9873 4759 9895 4767 9897
TIME...MOT...LOC 0112Z 340DEG 27KT 4759 9884 

$$

Thomas

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Grand Forks, ND wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jul 9, 5:51 PM CDT, 2 hours 8 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Level 2 out of 5 risk late afternoon and evening today for the Devils Lake area and a level 1 out of 5 risk tonight into the northern Red River valley. Hail and wind are the primary risk with any storms.
  • Dangerous heat index values likely this weekend into Monday. The hottest temperatures are expected Sunday and Monday, with heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees likely.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 9, 5:51 PM CDT, 2 hours 8 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
551 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Level 2 out of 5 risk late afternoon and evening today for
  the Devils Lake area and a level 1 out of 5 risk tonight into
  the northern Red River valley. Hail and wind are the primary
  risk with any storms.

- Dangerous heat index values likely this weekend into Monday.
  The hottest temperatures are expected Sunday and Monday, with
  heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees likely.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 130 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

...Synopsis...

Strong H5 ridging is developing over the Southwestern CONUS, which
will drift into the Central Rockies, then into the Midwest by late
this weekend. Ahead of this, a weak boundary is slowly moving
eastward into eastern North Dakota this afternoon and evening.
Scattered thunderstorm activity is expected along and ahead of the
boundary, with a few severe storms possible through late this
evening. Additional showers and isolated storms linger overnight as
the boundary moves very slowly to the east through midday Friday.
Warmer temperatures begin to build into the area heading into
Saturday, with highs expected to reach the upper 80s Friday
afternoon and the mid-90s Saturday afternoon. Hot and humid
conditions prevail Sunday and Monday, with air temps in the upper
90s to near 100 degrees, and heat index values upwards of 100-110
degrees. Heading into Tuesday, the H5 ridge should start to flatten
and drift westward, allowing northwest flow to return to the
Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Temperatures Tuesday and
Wednesday are still expected to be above average, but with slightly
lower humidity.

...Severe Thunderstorm Chances This Afternoon and Evening...

A slow moving boundary will provide an axis of development for
showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Ahead of this
boundary, instability and shear are supportive of strong to severe
thunderstorms as early as mid afternoon. The main uncertainty will
be the timing of initiation, mainly due to ongoing thunderstorm
activity in central North Dakota and the western portions of the
Devils Lake Basin. This activity is providing just enough surface
inhibition in it's wake to potentially delay future convection until
later this afternoon. The overall environment remains supportive of
supercells, capable of all hazards once initiation occurs. Chances
are highest in the Devils Lake Basin, with slightly lower chances
across the Red River Valley.

...Dangerous Heat This Weekend into Monday...

Strong ridging is in the process of strengthening over the Central
Rockies, and is expected to build to the north and east through this
weekend. Anomalous heights upwards of 600dM are being highlighted by
the majority of ensemble members, allowing temps to climb well into
the 90s on Saturday, then approach the 100 degree mark on Sunday and
Monday. With dew points in the upper 60s to low 70s, heat index
values are expected to reach 100 degrees or higher, especially
Sunday and Monday as the ridge axis aligns atop the Northern Plains.
Wet bulb globe temps will climb into the upper 80s Sunday and
Monday, signifying high to extreme categorical heat risk both
days.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 551 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

An area of low pressure and its warm and cold front will slide
east across North Dakota this evening giving a line a
thunderstorms that will likely have IFR conditions in it with
+TSRA. This line is expected to dive south and away from our
terminals after 06Z. At that time, shower activity may remain
overnight, but the thunderstorm threat decreases. Winds will be
southerly overnight before the cold front passes and turn more
northerly Friday after the cold front passes. Some chance for
more shower activity late in the TAF period, but the chances are
much lower.

&&

.FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ND...Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday morning through late Monday
     night for NDZ006>008-014>016-024-026>030-038-039-049-
     052>054.
MN...Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday morning through late Monday
     night for MNZ001>005-007-008-013>015-029-030-040.

&&

DISCUSSION...Lynch
AVIATION...Wolfe (DLH)
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 9, 2:54 PM CDT, 5 hours 5 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
254 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

MNZ001-004-007-NDZ008-016-027-029-030-038-039-049-052-102000-
West Polk-Kittson-West Marshall-Pembina-Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-
Steele-Traill-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent-
254 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North
Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

There is a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms across
the northern Red River Valley and northeast North Dakota. Hazards
could include hail up to the size of quarters, damaging wind
gusts, and possibly a tornado.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Dangerous heat index values likely this weekend into Monday.
The hottest temperatures are expected Sunday and Monday, with
heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees likely.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be required today.

NDZ006-007-014-015-024-026-028-054-102000-
Towner-Cavalier-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Western Walsh-
254 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North
Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

There is a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms across
the northern Red River Valley and northeast North Dakota. Hazards
could include hail up to the size of golf balls, damaging wind
gusts, and possibly a tornado.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Dangerous heat index values likely this weekend into Monday.
The hottest temperatures are expected Sunday and Monday, with
heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees likely.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be required today.

MNZ002-003-005-006-008-009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040-NDZ053-
102000-
Norman-Clay-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods-East Marshall-North Beltrami-
Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-
Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-
West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Richland-
254 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North
Dakota, west central and northwest Minnesota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Dangerous heat index values likely this weekend into Monday.
The hottest temperatures are expected Sunday and Monday, with
heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees likely.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated today.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 9, 5:24 PM CDT, 2 hours 35 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
524 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0505 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     5 NE Sarles             49.00N 98.92W
07/09/2026  M56 MPH          Cavalier           ND   Public

&&
Local storm report, Jul 9, 5:50 PM CDT, 2 hours 9 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
550 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0537 PM     Hail             1 NW Fillmore           48.19N 99.82W
07/09/2026  M1.50 Inch       Benson             ND   Trained Spotter

&&
Local storm report, Jul 9, 5:52 PM CDT, 2 hours 7 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
552 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0528 PM     Hail             4 SSW Sarles            48.89N 99.03W
07/09/2026  M1.25 Inch       Towner             ND   Trained Spotter

            Lots of quarter size hail with some up to
            half dollar size. Time estimated from radar.

&&
Local storm report, Jul 9, 6:54 PM CDT, 1 hour 5 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
654 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0615 PM     Hail             2 SSE Munich            48.65N 98.82W
07/09/2026  E1.00 Inch       Cavalier           ND   Public

            Largest stones were a quarter in size. Most
            hail was smaller. Time estimated from radar.

&&

BR
Local storm report, Jul 9, 7:03 PM CDT, 56 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
703 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0650 PM     Hail             12 S Esmond             47.86N 99.79W
07/09/2026  E1.00 Inch       Benson             ND   Public

            Mostly peas, but a few dime to quarter sized
            hail stones. Very heavy rainfall. Hail
            lasted five minutes. Time estimated from
            radar.

&&

BR
Local storm report, Jul 9, 7:21 PM CDT, 38 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
721 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0545 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     6 ESE Wales             48.86N 98.48W
07/09/2026                   Cavalier           ND   Public

            Tree branches down. Time estimated from
            radar.

&&

BR

The office that day

Everything else NWS Grand Forks, ND issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 9, 7:41 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningFGFBenson, Ramsey3 hr
Jul 9, 9:04 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGFBarnes, Griggs56 min
Jul 9, 9:46 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGFBarnes, Cass, Ransom59 min
Jul 9, 10:31 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGFBarnes, Ransom, Sargent59 min
Jul 10, 1:33 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementFGFBarnes42 min
Jul 10, 12:35 PM CDTHeat AdvisoryFGFBarnes, Benson, Cass, Cavalier, Eddy, Grand Forks and 11 more32 hr

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in North Dakota, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.