All areas of the state experience snowfall and high winds. But some areas are more prone to blizzards than others. All of, but especially the northeastern part of, North Dakota is part of what the federal government calls Blizzard Alley. These areas have a low topography meaning there’s little or no hills or mountains to block wind, little vegetation to contrast white out conditions, and are in a location that allows Arctic winds to flow through the state.
Blizzard
Blizzards in North Dakota aren’t just about snow—they bring bitter cold, dangerous winds, and the potential for power outages that can leave families in the dark and without heat. Roads become impassable, making it hard to get food, supplies, or emergency help. Homes can suffer from frozen pipes or roof collapses under heavy snow. For rural communities and farmers, caring for animals and accessing feed becomes a major concern. The financial stress from missed work and high heating bills can add up quickly.
The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm which contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours).
Blizzards form when an Arctic cold front moves through the region and causes temperatures to drop significantly and combine with wind gusts at 50 to 60 mph. These high winds pick up snow already on the ground and mix it around with falling snow, if any, to create white out conditions. White out conditions make it difficult to see anything but white snow when you’re driving or walking.
Be Prepared
- In addition to knowing your community’s resources for disaster response, you should be aware of any safe locations the community has designated for shelter in case you’re not home when a disaster hits. Some communities may concentrate their resources around community-based buildings such as churches, or safety may best be sought in durable brick or concrete buildings that can withstand high levels of water and wind. Take time to view our county resources tab and locate the resources available in your community.
- It’s also important to identify a route from your house, through your neighborhood, to a safer location within your community or in another community. Take time to view a map of your neighborhood and determine where the streets near your home lead to.
- Have your roof inspected every 10 years to ensure its strength and that large amounts of snow won’t cause a leak or worse, a cave in.
- Address plumbing issues as they arise because extremely low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze.
- Ensure your home is properly insulated and fix any air leaks.
- Weatherize your home.
- Ensure your home’s heat source is reliable. If you need energy assistance, some programs may be available. See the county resources tab for programs available in your community.
- Keep a thermometer or thermostat inside to monitor temperatures.
- Stock up on warm clothing, blankets, and other accessories to keep warm.
- Ensure you have alternative lighting sources or electricity sources such as flashlights or generators.
- Keep a battery powered radio, wireless hotspot, and phone chargers in a central location so you can stay connected and informed about changing weather conditions.
- Stock up on bottled water and food that doesn’t need to be heated in case you lose access to water and electricity.
- If you know a blizzard is likely, plan to stay indoors.
- Once you are safe, contact loved ones that may be in the affected area to ensure they are safe.
- Have a backup location to go to if your home loses heat.
- If you have to go outside, ensure you have proper clothing and winter wear to keep you warm. Wear layers.
- Keep a cellphone charger in your car and utilize roadside assistance programs such as AAA if possible.
- Create a disaster kit that can be moved quickly if evacuation is necessary.
- Consume warm beverages if possible but avoid alcohol.
- Ensure everyone in your family or household is aware of the disaster plan.
Loss and Need
Legal documents
A disaster victim may have lost their birth certificate, drivers license or other state ID, social security card, marriage license, name change documents, titles and deeds to property, and other legal documents in the disaster. Loss of these documents may make accessing public benefits and disaster resources more difficult.
Housing
- Housing can be partially or completely destroyed in a disaster. Renters whose housing has become unlivable may need assistance canceling a lease, finding replacement housing, obtaining rental assistance, transferring existing housing assistance to other housing authorities, or even getting timely repairs from their landlord.
- Disaster victims who own their home may need help filing insurance claims, appealing insurance denials or appraisals, applying for public repair assistance, preventing foreclosure, or recovering from a general contractor who isn’t complying with the repair contract.
- Any disaster victim who needs to access new housing because their residence was completely destroyed in a disaster may also face housing discrimination. If you feel you’ve experienced housing discrimination, please contact High Plains Fair Housing Center (hyperlink: https://www.highplainsfhc.org/).
Loved ones
If you’ve lost a loved one in a disaster, there are many legal aspects to handling their estate. The person may or may not have a will or other estate plan. They may have new assets not included in their current estate plan and they may have a business or other interests whose beneficiaries are uncertain.
Valuable property
Many households own valuable property such as cars, recreational vehicles, jewelry, antiques, and family heirlooms. These items can be lost or destroyed in a disaster and that can carry a monetary and emotional loss. Some of these items may be insured or may have liens on them.
Money
There may be public resources available to help with finding a job or replacing income with public benefits. Disaster victims may need help filing for unemployment, appealing wrongful terminations, or handling bank accounts of deceased household members.
Community
Disaster victims may experience job loss, education loss, housing loss, loss of friends, or cancellation of important community programs and resources. Replacing these community resources and social needs is essential to recovering from a disaster.
Common legal needs of disaster victims
Legal Services of North Dakota’s Disaster Legal Services Program can assist North Dakota residents with most of their legal needs after a disaster.
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- Access to public benefits
- Insurance – through a volunteer attorney
- Bankruptcies
- Document replacement
- Domestic violence
- Family law and custody issues
- Access to housing or housing repair
- The death of a loved one and their estate
- Consumer issues such as disaster relief scams or contractor scams
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Additional Resources
Resources by County
Get help after a disaster.
Disaster Kit
Grab a disaster kit to be prepared.
Become a Volunteer
Opportunities and training available.
Additional Resources
Visit Legal Aid Disaster Center (LADRC)