01/21/2026
MHA NATION EXTREME COLD WARNING FOR Thursday, Jan. 22nd at 6:00am to Sunday, Jan. 25th at 12:00pm: ‼️LIFE-THREATENING WIND CHILL CONDITIONS‼️
The MHA Nation EOC will be sending out a wireless emergency alert reservation wide later this afternoon to help ensure everyone within our tribes jurisdiction is aware of the extremely dangerous wind chill conditions increasing throughout our area as a last reminder.
The NWS advises in their Extreme Cold Warning issued at 2:24pm today that Wind Chill Values will fall to as low as -55 across northern and central North Dakota. The coldest period during this long duration event will be Thursday Evening into Friday.
✅Preparedness Actions:
All community members are urged to take all necessary precautions to stay warm, safe, and comfortable during this period of exceptionally low temperatures.
✔️Please stay indoors as much as possible. These type of conditions are not forgiving and are hazardous to everyone.
✔️Help your staff to avoid Cold Stress as much as possible. https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/cold-stress
✔️Refrain from any unnecessary travel. If you must travel ensure you and your vehicle are WINTER READY and let someone know your travel plans-no matter how short the commute. In these temperatures-all vehicles become less reliable.
✔️Check on the Elderly and your neighbor’s. Ensure they know of upcoming severe weather conditions.
✔️Be especially vigilant for young children, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, those working outdoors, and those without proper shelter.
✔️Know the Cold-Related symptoms of Frostbite and Hypothermia. Frostbite and Hypothermia can and will begin to set in within 5 minutes of exposure. Also watch for shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness in extremities-even after coming indoors and warming up. Cover all exposed skin and dress in layers.
✔️Be aware of the increase of fire hazards by monitoring any supplemental heating sources such as electric portable heaters, fireplaces, candles, etc.
✔️Let your kitchen and bathroom faucets drip to help mitigate bursting water pipes.
✔️Bring Pets Inside.
✔️Ensure your propane tank for your home is filled up now.
✔️Immediately report any power outages and have a plan to temporarily stay with a nearby friend, relative, neighbor if necessary.
✔️Know the route to your nearest Warming Shelter if needed. See the attached flyers in comments section.
✔️If you become stranded in your vehicle, absolutely DO NOT attempt to hitchhike or walk. Call 701-627-3617 or 911 immediately for assistance. Again-these are life threatening conditions and it is best to shelter in place in your vehicle/creating as much extra layers around yourself as possible with your winter vehicle kit supplies and wait for help.
✔️Let’s look out for one another and help each other get home safe-report any vehicles stopped or individuals who might be walking along the roadways. Use your best judgment for your safety.
✔️Keep yourself updated on changing weather and road conditions by monitoring local weather and news stations. KMHA is working with the EOC to help provide timely pertinent community and emergency updates. Updates from Segments, Emergency Services, area businesses and other related information will be posted periodically thru tribal email, radio and social media.
