Thunderstorm Wind in Sioux County, North Dakota

A strong short-wave trough approached western and central North Dakota where strong instability and elevated deep-layer shear were noted. Initial thunderstorms developed over northwest North Dakota over Burke and Divide Counties during the evening hours, producing wind gusts to 60 mph and hail up to the size of half-dollars. Overnight, a second round of thunderstorms moved into southwest North Dakota from Montana producing strong winds. The Hettinger area of Adams County experienced the most extensive damage from these winds, with 94 mph wind gusts measured at the Hettinger NDAWN. About two miles south of Hettinger, a shop building was severely damage, with two of the four walls collapsed and the roof completely removed. Within the city of Hettinger, many campers and trailers were rolled onto their side, and multiple trees were down. Power lines were also down in various locations due to both the strong winds and trees falling on the lines. The storms then continued to move to the east through the remainder of the overnight.