Severe storms moved across North Dakota Sunday night and early today, bringing destructive wind, large hail and at least one preliminary tornado report.
That possible tornado was about 10 miles south of Berthold in Ward County. Witnesses on social media described a white rope tornado on the ground for about three minutes, kicking up dust. Damage from the twister are being assessed this morning, as are other possible formations across the state.
Extreme winds were reported across the region from mid-afternoon through the overnight hours. The strongest gust was 98 mph northwest of Garrison in McLean County, according to the NWS. There was also a 93 mph gust was reported in the same area, with a 90 mph gust west-southwest of Pick City. G
Damage reports continue to come in this morning. Thousands of power outages were reported western North Dakota, with the largest concentration in the Dickinson area. The NWS confirmed reports of downed power lines and a tree on a house in Dickinson. Hebron also reported wind damage, power outages, downed branches and tree debris around town. Tree damage was also reported in Hazen, and a large cottonwood tree downed near White Shield.
Large hail was another major issue in the west. Hail up to three inches was reported southwest of Medora, with tennis-ball to baseball-size hail southeast of Sentinel Butte. Two-inch hail was also confirmed near Alexander and Arnegard.
Things were relatively calmer in the Stutsman County area, but still severe. A 67 mph gust was reported west of Wishek, and a 59 mph gust was reported south of Streeter. The hail and cyclone formations appeared to have stayed away from the James River valley.
The active pattern is not over. The National Weather Service in Bismarck says another round of severe storms is possible Tuesday afternoon and evening, with very large hail, damaging winds up to 80 miles per hour and a few tornadoes possible. They’ve issued a Level 3 severe storm advisory for central and east-central North Dakota, with a Level 4 advisory issued for a small part of west-central North Dakota.
Residents and travelers should have multiple ways to receive emergency notifications throughout this severe weather pattern and have a plan to take shelter should those warnings be issued.
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