EF1 Tornado — Sioux, North Dakota

2024-08-28 · near Selfridge, Sioux, North Dakota

Event narrative

The tornado touched down in an open field south of Selfridge and moved to the south-southeast. Along its path, the tornado broke three wooden power poles which appeared to be aged. The tornado then proceeded into an open field with no other structures impacted. Based on the damage done the tornado was rated EF-1, and from that winds were estimated to be approximately 100 MPH.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed over southwest into south central North Dakota in an environment of very strong instability and elevated deep layer shear. The atmosphere remained capped until early in the evening when rapid thunderstorm development occurred. The initial severe storm produced a tornado near Selfridge in Sioux County, which broke power poles. Based on the damage done this this tornado was rated EF-1. Additional storms developed ahead of a frontal boundary, producing large hail and damaging winds. One storm over southern Morton County south of St. Anthony produced a four-inch diameter hailstone. In the town of St. Anthony, wind driven hail produced extensive damage to structures, with the siding shredded on some homes. Later in the evening, a storm passed over and to the south of Sterling in Burleigh County, producing 100 mph straight line winds which dislodged a large grain bin, broke or severely damaged 15 power poles, and significantly damaged a large sunflower field. The storm then moved towards Steele in Kidder County where it produced a tornado just to the east of town. The tornado crossed the path of a stopped train and knocked about 40 railroad cars off the tracks. An oats field was destroyed and several hardwood trees were snapped. This tornado was rated EF-1. Additional storms then continued through the evening producing hail over south central and parts of north central North Dakota before moving to the east and dissipating. Along with the severe weather, three male teenagers were struck by lighting to the north of Sterling in Burleigh County while returning to their vehicle after goose hunting. All three were injured and required medical attention at a hospital emergency room, but were able to quickly recover from their injuries.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.0000, -100.9500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1211502. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.