BISMARCK, ND — Severe storms rolled across North Dakota late Sunday and into Monday morning, bringing destructive wind, large hail and at least one preliminary tornado report. Damage was still being assessed in several parts of the state after the storm line moved through overnight.
Strongest Winds and Damage
The highest wind gust reported was 98 mph northwest of Garrison in McLean County, according to the National Weather Service. Other strong readings included 93 mph in the same area and 90 mph west-southwest of Pick City.
Reports of damage kept coming in Monday morning, including thousands of outages in western North Dakota, with the largest concentration around Dickinson. The weather service also confirmed downed power lines and a tree on a house in Dickinson.
Tornado Report Near Berthold
A possible tornado was reported 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.
Officials said damage from that twister and other possible storm formations was being checked Monday morning.
Hail Hit Western Towns
Large hail added to the damage across western North Dakota. Hail up to three inches was reported southwest of Medora, while tennis ball to baseball-size hail fell southeast of Sentinel Butte.
Two-inch hail was also confirmed near Alexander and Arnegard, and other reports came in from Hebron, Hazen and near White Shield.
More Storms Expected
The National Weather Service in Bismarck said another round of severe storms is possible Tuesday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say very large hail, damaging winds up to 80 mph and a few tornadoes could develop.
A Level 3 severe storm advisory is in place for central and east-central North Dakota, with a Level 4 advisory for a small part of west-central North Dakota. Residents and travelers are being told to keep multiple ways to receive warnings and be ready to take shelter quickly.
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