Grand Forks hail storm history
Grand Forks County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
Grand Forks County sits in the Red River Valley, one of the Northern Plains' most active hail corridors. The flat terrain and exposure to moist southerly flow from the Gulf combine with northward-tracking storm systems to produce frequent severe thunderstorm activity. NOAA's Storm Events Database documents a consistent record of hail events in this county, including significant storms capable of structural damage.
Check if your roof was damaged by recent hail
Hail activity in Grand Forks peaks during June and July, when atmospheric conditions are most favorable for supercell thunderstorm development. May and August also see notable hail events as the season transitions. The Red River Valley's geography—flat and open to storm development—means that hail-producing systems can organize and intensify without terrain barriers, making these months particularly active for severe weather.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 110 recorded events, 29 (26%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
Report of quarter size hail and minor crop damage 4 miles east of Ardoch. Time estimated by radar.
Public report of golf ball size hail relayed by broadcast media.
Public report of 1 inch hail mixed in with hail ranging from the size of dimes to pennies.
Received a report of quarter sized hail via trained weather spotters.
Hail and very strong winds were reported. Numerous 3 to 5 inch tree branches were broken down in the…
Dime to quarter sized hail for about 5 minutes, through about 335 pm CDT. Reports and photos were re…
Several bursts of dime to quarter sized hail persisted for about 10 minutes, through 1050 pm.
A trained spotter reported very heavy rain, along with nickel to quarter-sized hail.
A public report of hail was relayed via social media.
Nickel-sized hail was reported by an NWS employee.
The hail fell at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
The hail fell on Interstate 29, just north of the Thompson exit.
Pea to nickel sized hail fell across south Grand Forks.
Mostly pea sized hail.
Quarter to half dollar sized hail fell along Interstate 29, near mile point 171.
Very strong winds accompanied the hail.
Large hail fell along Interstate 29.
The hail occurred along Gateway Drive in Grand Forks.
The large hail damaged the siding and windows on several homes.
Fifty mph wind gusts accompanied the hail.
Dime to ping pong ball sized hail fell, but not a lot of rain.
Large hail and strong winds damaged crops across southern Pleasant View Township.
The hail fell across southeast Newburgh Township.
Dime to nickel sized hail fell.
The report came from social media.
Pea to dime sized hail fell.
One-half to one inch diameter hail fell between downtown Grand Forks and the University of North Dak…
The hail was accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds.
Dime to quarter sized hail fell.
A one mile stretch of U. S. Highway 2 was covered by hail, making it quite slippery. One car ended u…
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database. Publication lag is approximately 75 days — current-year events may be incomplete.
NOAA Storm Events Database ↗