Thunderstorm Wind in Williams County, North Dakota

Emergency manager reported damage from strong wind gusts in Williston. Power lines are down in the city and there was damage to the top of a tall car dealership sign.

A warm front lifted across North Dakota while strong southerly surface flow increased temperatures and dew points over the region. As a surface trough tracked to the east, storms developed in eastern Montana and moved into western North Dakota during the evening. Storms quickly formed a line as they continued moving east-northeast, with powerful wind gusts the primary hazard across western and portions of central North Dakota. A tornado occurred approximately 7 miles north-northeast of Belfield in Billings County. The track was less than one mile long and wind speeds were estimated up to 90 mph, leading to an EF-1 rating. Damaging wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph were common across the area as storms moved through. The most significant damage occurred in a neighborhood west of Williston. The Emergency Manager reported debris in a southwest to northeast orientation, consistent with straight line winds. Notable damage includes two homes with roofs uplifted and partially blown off. Other damage includes sheds, enclosed trailers, and campers damaged or destroyed. Some tree damage was also noted. Damage is consistent with wind speeds around 95 mph.