Weird Weather Diaries: Rundown of Grand forks Historic Major Weather Events

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the greater Grand Forks area, you know that the weather has a flair for the dramatic. From the blizzards that turn things into a snow globe scene overnight, to those epic summer storms, Grand Forks has seen it all. Over the years Greater Grand Forks has collected some epic weather stories that have become a mix of memories, local legends, and proof that North Dakotans are as tough as the winters are long.

From March 2nd to 5th of 1966, Grand Forks found itself in the grip of a blizzard for the ages. The total snowfall for the town was 27.8 inches, with 17.0 of those inches falling on March 4th alone, setting a one-day record. For days, schools remained closed, and businesses shut their doors, but that didn’t stop life from happening on those cold and drifty days. Here’s a few things that happened during the blizzard:

• Not one but two mothers gave birth amid the blizzard chaos. One mother was pushed in her car by her husband and community members to the hospital, and another was brought in on a toboggan.
• The Grand Forks Herald couldn’t be delivered during the storm because the mail routes were blocked. The paper had to suspend publication for a few days due to the conditions in town.
• Reports say that snow drifts piled so high that buildings, vehicles and even power lines were almost buried.

Although events like this are extremely rare, they do allow for some incredibly memorable experiences to happen. Snow days are an integral part of any local’s childhood here for a reason! Sledding, snow forts, hot chocolate, and cozying up for a good movie, sounds like a great day to me!

In June of 1887 a tornado hit Grand Forks, and no one saw it coming. Up to that point the United States Signal Service believed there was a northern limit for tornadoes in the United States. The tornado belt map only reached Fargo, North Dakota. Citizens and leaders of the Greater Grand Forks area were very proud of the fact that tornadoes weren’t a concern…up until then. The tornado had a destructive path and destroyed some buildings and large trees, giving the people of Grand Forks the shock of a lifetime.

On the last day of summer vacation in 2007, a rare E4 tornado struck Northwood, ND, in Grand Forks County. Event though it caused significant damage across the town, amounting to nearly $60 million dollars in damages, it gave way for Northwood to come together like never before. Afterwards, the community built a brand new school and performing arts center, that have been able to serve the community in countless ways.

By the weekend of April 5-6th of 1997, Grand Forks was sitting on a precarious mix: lots of snow from a brutal winter and rising spring temperatures. The Red River crept way beyond its banks that spring and swallowed entire neighborhoods. Within the weekend, sandbags and dikes proved no match with nature. The water crested 54.35 feet in Grand Forks, well above earlier predictions. Grand Forks and East Grand Forks together suffered around $3.6 billion of the total $4 billion in regional damage. Tens of thousands were forced to flee and whole blocks of downtown were left smoldering after fires broke out in the flood’s aftermath. When the waters receded, the citizens didn’t just clean up, they came back stronger. Neighbors became rescue teams and volunteers from across the country poured in to rebuild. This weather tragedy proved that no matter how high the waters of the Red River climb, the people here stand even taller.

It also made way for the creation of our dike system, which prevents such an event from ever occurring again. It’s also worth noting that the region hasn’t seen such significant flooding since 2011, which was the first true test of the new dike system, and proved to work splendidly!

• The hottest temperature ever recorded in Grand Forks was on July 6th 936 at 109 degrees
• The coldest temperature Grand Forks has ever experienced was -43 degrees on January 30^th 2004
• The average amount of snow per season is 37.2 inches
• The earliest snowfall Grand Forks has ever seen was on September 17th, 1991
• The wettest month of the year is June, and driest is December
• As of 2025, Grand Forks holds the record for the lowest temperature recorded in the United States on July 17th, a whopping 41 degrees! This beats out the previous record set in 1971 at 44 degrees.

Learning to live safely and happily through the wild mix of North Dakota seasons is just a part of the lifestyle. Here are some practical tips for staying safe while enjoying everything our skies have to offer:

Winter Wisdom

• Embrace layering! Invest in good boots, wool socks and a reliable coat so you can enjoy the winter weather.
• Prep your car for adventure. A winter emergency kit means you’re ready for anything, so pack those blankets, snacks and flashlights. And don’t forget a good ice scraper and shovel!
• Keep your spirit up! Warm up your community in the colder months, bake cookies, host game nights, and stay cozy. Staying social is the best defense against the chill.

Storm Smarts:

• In tornado season, stay alert, not afraid! Have a plan, and keep an eye on the weather. If you’re prepared, there’s no need to worry!
• Keep your phone charged and ready. In the summer months, you never know when you might get that alert to head for shelter, so having your devices ready to storm watch is a great idea.

Summer Sunshine:

• Hydration is your best accessory. Keep your water within reach and take breaks in the shade, North Dakota summers can surprise you in the heat department!
• Enjoy the summer to its fullest! Grand Forks has so many options for getting out in the summers to stay active. From walks on the Greenway and the farmers market in town square, there are so many things to do when the sun is shining.

Through every season, Grand Forks proves that weather isn’t just something to endure, it’s what shapes our community. The weather reminds us to adapt, appreciate and find joy in every season of life.