GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NWS) – Strong north to northwest winds are expected early Friday morning through Friday afternoon. There is greater than a 50% chance for warning impacts from gusts in excess of 58 mph in the central and southern Red River Valley.

High Wind Watch for southeastern North Dakota, Grand Forks, Nelson, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Richland, and Sargent counties. In Minnesota, western Polk, Norman, Clay, and Wilkin counties Friday 3AM to 3 PM

Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph are expected across most of eastern ND and northwest MN late Thursday night into Friday.

The highest probabilities (50%) for warning impacts (58 mph gusts or higher) are in the central and southern Red River Valley.