A strong cold front pushed through western and central North Dakota during the evening and nighttime hours of January 13 into the early morning of January 14. Damaging winds developed in the wake of the cold front as cold air pushed in.
Every event with a place to put it; 32 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BIS wrote it up.
A strong cold front pushed through western and central North Dakota during the evening and nighttime hours of January 13 into the early morning of January 14. Damaging winds developed in the wake of the cold front as cold air pushed in. Some rain and snow showers also developed, which aided in strong winds aloft mixing down to the surface, especially over northwest North Dakota. Multiple occurrences of damage from the strong winds were reported. Many places had 80 mph wind gusts with the highest being 93 mph at the Williston Airport in Williams County.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Bismarck, ND wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 13, 5:59 PM CST, 1 minute earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Bismarck ND 559 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 .UPDATE... Issued at 559 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 Very strong winds have entered southwest North Dakota. The highest gust so far has been 71 mph at the Bowman Airport, with numerous other gusts above 60 mph. We will soon be evaluating whether the start times of the High Wind Warning in central North Dakota need adjusting. Current observations and observed and model trends were blended into the forecast for this update. UPDATE Issued at 422 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 Based on upstream observations, we have elected to move up the start time of the High Wind Warning by one hour in western North Dakota. 50+ wind gusts have already reached Glendive, MT, and a 66 kt wind gust was recently observed at Miles City, MT. Will hold off on adjusting start times for the warning in central North Dakota for now and continue to monitor observed trends. && .SHORT TERM...(Today through Friday) Issued at 305 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 Forecast highlights in the short term period will be high winds through much of the period, along with impactful winter weather due to the combination of the strong wind and some light snow north and east of the Missouri River. Currently, mid level ridge axis pushing east across central ND, ahead of a strong Pacific S/WV trough closing off over southern Saskatchewan. Associated lee side surface low quickly spinning up as it ejects out into the Canadian plains this afternoon. Decent mixing south of the low over the Northern Plains along with continued mild boundary layer temperatures has resulted in another mild day, with highs from the low/mid 50s southwest and into the 40s most other locations. Uniform area of light to pockets of moderate rain showers moving east from western into central ND this afternoon along a sfc warm front, with a few hundreths of rain possible. Strong cold front will near northwest ND later this afternoon, with a noticeable uptick in westerly winds after 22Z. The strong cold front will quickly push east-southeast across western North Dakota around sunset, then across the remainder of the area tonight. Strong CAA with steep lapse rates will allow for strong mixing along to behind the cold FROPA. BUFKIT soundings (Nam/GFS) easily show 45-55kts of wind possibly mixing down, with the GFS on the higher end near 60kts across all of western and most of central ND. RAP/NAM 850/700mb winds are most impressive, with a period of 850mb winds of 70kts west near 03-06Z, and central 6-12Z. 700mb winds range from 80-90kts during this same period. Coupled with likely snow showers, strong winds will likely be mixed down to the surface tonight, especially when the snow falls. Will stick with the high wind warning for most of the area, and will mention 70-75 mph wind gust potential. Also mentioned higher impacts possible in the high wind warning product, with the possibility of power outages and roof damage. 1 to 2 inches of snow will be possible north and east of the Missouri River, along with blowing snow given the high winds. Being that the wind is the main impact, we opted to stick with the high wind warning and will continue to mention the likelihood of winter weather impacts with reduced visibility in falling and blowing snow in the NPW. From the Turtle Mountains south through the James River Valley, 850-700mb winds are much weaker, with BUFKIT barely showing 50kts within the mixed layer. We're also expecting 1-2 inches of snow for these areas, just less wind, so went with a winter weather advisory which matched our eastern neighbor nicely. Strong winds will continue/redevelop Thursday into Thu night. Will keep the high wind warning through 12Z Friday, with the winter weather advisory expiring 15Z Friday morning. .LONG TERM...(Friday night through Wednesday) Issued at 305 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 Strong winds subside Friday night into Saturday as high pressure builds into the region. Several embedded waves within strong north/northwest flow aloft will keep more seasonal temperatures across the Dakotas this weekend through early next week. Precipitation chance iffy till later in the weekend, when some light snow looks likely for the Sunday/Monday timeframe. Another strong push of colder air then possible towards the middle of next week. && .AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Thursday evening) Issued at 559 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 Very high to possibly extreme winds are the main aviation hazard this forecast period. A powerful cold front has arrived in western North Dakota early this evening. Along and ahead of the front, low level wind shear will be a concern, along with some scattered rain showers. Behind the front, winds will rapidly increase to 30-40 kts sustained, with gusts around 50-60 kts. A 57 kt gust has already been reported at KDIK. The very strong winds are expected to last through Thursday morning, with only a slight amount of dissipation through the remainder of the day. In addition to the winds, a period of light snow is expected across western and central North Dakota tonight through Thursday morning, with scattered snow showers possibly continuing across central and eastern North Dakota Thursday afternoon. Expect MVFR ceilings and IFR visibility in falling snow. Blowing snow may worsen visibility further at times. && .BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... High Wind Warning from 9 PM CST /8 PM MST/ this evening to 6 AM CST /5 AM MST/ Friday for NDZ003-011-019>021-034-042-045. High Wind Warning until 6 AM CST /5 AM MST/ Friday for NDZ001- 002-009-010-017-018-031>033-040-041-043-044. Winter Weather Advisory from 3 AM Thursday to 9 AM CST Friday for NDZ005-013-023-025-037-048-051. High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Friday for NDZ004-012-022-035-036-046-047-050. && UPDATE...Hollan SHORT TERM...NH LONG TERM...NH AVIATION...Hollan
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Bismarck ND 223 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 NDZ001>004-009>012-017>022-031>036-040>047-050-142030- Divide-Burke-Renville-Bottineau-Williams-Mountrail-Ward-McHenry- McKenzie-Dunn-Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Sheridan-Golden Valley- Billings-Stark-Morton-Burleigh-Kidder-Slope-Hettinger-Grant- Bowman-Adams-Sioux-Emmons-Logan-McIntosh- 223 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 /123 PM MST Wed Jan 13 2021/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central North Dakota, northwest North Dakota, south central North Dakota, southeast North Dakota, and southwest North Dakota. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight A high wind warning is in effect for tonight. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday A high wind warning is in effect Thursday through late Thursday night. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. NDZ005-013-023-025-037-048-051-142030- Rolette-Pierce-Wells-Foster-Stutsman-La Moure-Dickey- 223 PM CST Wed Jan 13 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central North Dakota, south central North Dakota, and southeast North Dakota. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight A winter weather advisory for snow, wind, and blowing snow is in effect for late tonight. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday A winter weather advisory for snow, wind, and blowing snow is in effect Thursday, Thursday night, and into Friday morning. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BISMARCK ND
519 PM CST WED JAN 13 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0510 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 3 ESE GRIFFIN 46.20N 103.47W
01/13/2021 M59 MPH BOWMAN ND MESONET
MESONET STATION 320999 3 ESE GRIFFIN
(NDAWN).
&&
ZHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BISMARCK ND
523 PM CST WED JAN 13 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0515 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 3 W BUFFALO SPRINGS 46.17N 103.30W
01/13/2021 M71 MPH BOWMAN ND AWOS
AWOS STATION KBWW BOWMAN AIRPORT.
&&
ZHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BISMARCK ND
542 PM CST WED JAN 13 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0530 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 5 S DICKINSON 46.80N 102.80W
01/13/2021 M64 MPH STARK ND ASOS
ASOS STATION KDIK DICKINSON AIRPORT.
&&
ZHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BISMARCK ND
556 PM CST WED JAN 13 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0547 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 5 S DICKINSON 46.80N 102.80W
01/13/2021 M66 MPH STARK ND ASOS
ASOS STATION KDIK DICKINSON AIRPORT.
&&
ZHThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
36 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Crosby AWOS reported wind gusts to 90 mph.
Williston ASOS reported wind gusts to 93 mph. Power outages occurred in the Grenora and Epping areas. A trailer home flipped over at the state line west of Williston.
Lostwood RAWS reported wind gusts to 65 mph.
Blaisdell NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 81 mph. Metal siding blew off a building in Stanley, and another building had an attic window blown in. A state highway road sign was bent over on the outskirts of Stanley. In New Town, a 60 foot tall wind turbine at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College blew over.
Grassy Butte NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 83 mph. Fences were damaged in Watford City. At Grassy Butte, wind breaks were destroyed, trees were blown over, and roofs were damaged.
Manning NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 81 mph.
Beach AWOS reported wind gusts to 63 mph.
Fryburg NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 69 mph.
Gladstone NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 76 mph.
Sand Creek RAWS reported wind gusts to 65 mph.
Williams Lookout RAWS reported wind gusts to 92 mph. Near Mott, one-inch diameter tree limbs were broken, and shingles were blown off a roof. In New England, roofs and some structures were damaged, including a gas pump that was blown over.
Bowman AWOS reported wind gusts to 71 mph.
Hettinger ASOS reported wind gusts to 68 mph.
Garrison ASOS reported wind gusts to 76 mph.
Golden Valley NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 65 mph. A newly constructed building was blown over.
Oliver County had estimated wind gusts to 65 mph.
Minot ASOS reported wind gusts to 78 mph. In Minot, an apartment building roof was severely damaged along with fences. Trees were also damaged or blown over throughout the city, which caused damage to power lines and blocked streets. Electrical power outages occurred in many parts of the city. In Surrey, a playset was blown over.
Renville County had estimated wind gusts to 75 mph. In Mohall, a roof was blown off a caf , and a fence was severely damaged.
Mandan AWOS reported wind gusts to 63 mph. In Glen Ullin, a trampoline was tossed against a building and broke a window. In Hebron, a permanent elevated deer blind building blew over.
Grant County had estimated wind gusts to 75 mph. A large grain bin at the New Leipzig grain elevator was destroyed.
Tatonka Prairie RAWS had wind gusts to 76 mph.
Denhoff NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 70 mph.
Bismarck ASOS reported wind gusts to 71 mph. A semi tractor-trailer blew over on Interstate 94 east of Sterling, leading to the Interstate to be closed for a period of time. Portions of Bismarck lost power.
Linton AWOS reported wind gusts to 60 mph.
Wishek NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 67 mph.
Kidder County had estimated wind gusts to 65 mph.
Logan County had estimated wind gusts to 65 mph.
McHenry County had estimated wind gusts to 65 mph. Some trees were down in Anamoose.
Bottineau County had estimated wind gusts to 65 mph.
Turtle Mountain RAWS had wind gusts to 60 mph.
Rugby AWOS had wind gusts to 59 mph.
Harvey AWOS had wind gusts to 59 mph.
Carrington AWOS had wind gusts to 62 mph.
Medina NDDOT had wind gusts to 64 mph.
Oakes AWOS had wind gusts to 58 mph.
LaMoure County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Dakota in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in North Dakota, January 2021
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 938615, 938616, 938618, 938623, 938624, 938625, 938628, 938630, 938631, 938633, 938637, 938638, 938639, 938662, 938663, 938664, 938665, 938666, 938667, 938668, 938669, 938979, 938980, 938981, 938982, 938983, 938984, 938985, 938986, 938987, 938988, 938989, 938990, 938991, 938992, 938993.