National Weather ServiceNorth DakotaBlizzard WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Blizzard Warnings in North Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 6 blizzard warnings for North Dakota in 2025 and 9 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 3rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 50% below the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern Walsh County was covered most often (66 times since 2008).
How many blizzard warnings does North Dakota get?
Every blizzard warning that covered part of North Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2008 | 6 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does North Dakota get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in North Dakota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Walsh County | 66 | 12 | March 12, 2026 |
| Grand Forks | 65 | 11 | March 12, 2026 |
| Traill | 65 | 12 | January 18, 2026 |
| Pembina | 64 | 13 | March 12, 2026 |
| Cass | 60 | 10 | January 18, 2026 |
| Barnes | 59 | 7 | January 18, 2026 |
| Steele | 59 | 8 | January 18, 2026 |
| Richland | 58 | 9 | January 18, 2026 |
| Cavalier | 57 | 10 | March 12, 2026 |
| Griggs | 55 | 8 | January 18, 2026 |
| Nelson | 54 | 6 | January 18, 2026 |
| Western Walsh County | 54 | 8 | March 12, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a blizzard warning?
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile, for three hours or more. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in North Dakota.