Tornado Season in North Dakota: Do You Know Where to Go?

Ahh, the warm breeze, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the sound of…weather alert tones blaring from your radio? Yep, welcome to the nice-weather season in North Dakota, where blue skies can turn into thunderous drama faster than your uncle changes the subject when you ask about that fishing trip he forgot to invite you on.

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Tornado Watch or Warning? There’s a Big Difference, North Dakota!

So there you are, enjoying the sunshine, when you hear that telltale alert tone crackle through your favorite radio station. Did they just say tornado watch or warning? One means “keep an eye on the sky,” and the other means “run like you’re chasing the last piece of kuchen at the church potluck.” There is a difference, and you can read more about it here.

Not All Storm Shelters Are Equal, Says North Dakota Weather Experts

The thing is, not all shelters are made equal, particularly when it comes to the impact of the weather. According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, there are options that are good, options that are poor, and options that are bad.

Worst ideas:

• Mobile homes

• Cars

• Hiding under an overpass (it’s not an action movie, folks)

Still risky:

• Large open spaces like gymnasiums

• Manufactured housing (aka trailer homes)

Better:

• Interior rooms in a sturdy home

• Basements

Best:

• A proper storm shelter

• A FEMA-approved safe room (bonus points if it's stocked with snacks and a radio tuned to us!)

So go ahead—hike, grill, fish, or garden your heart out. Just keep one eye on the sky and one ear on the radio. North Dakota weather loves a surprise entrance.