By Bill Deger, Meteorologist

Jul 4, 2011; 6:02 AM ET

“Large hail appears to be especially likely late today in stronger storms”

Thunderstorms will erupt across parts of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest this afternoon and evening as a cold front marches east.

Not only could the storms interrupt Fourth of July festivities across this region, but they could turn damaging.

The threat area for the powerful storms extends from the Dakotas east through Minnesota and across adjacent parts of southern Canada. This includes the cities of Bismarck, N.D., Fargo and Pierre, S.D., International Falls, Minn., and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In addition to the hallmarks of a thunderstorm, deadly lightning and driving downpours, large hail appears to be especially likely late today in stronger storms.

Storms will generate hailstones, up to the size of golf balls, that could shatter car windshields, rip down numerous tree branches and harm vegetation.

Strong, damaging wind gusts are also a possibility, especially if the storms evolve into a line as they push east. The wind gusts combined with heavy rain and possibly hail will drive visibilities to near zero for motorists as storms move through.

While the risk is low, an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out in some storms.

Unfortunately, timing couldn’t be worse for holiday festivities, with some fireworks displays that will likely be rained out. Many others may be cancelled because of the threat of storms.

Major cities farther south including Sioux Falls, S.D., and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., should remain dry for fireworks time with thunderstorms likely to arrive after midnight.

Other parts of the country are at risk for storms today. Meteorologist Evan Duffey has more on the national holiday forecast in this article.