Williams storm history

There was a complex of two main fires in Williams County, referred to as the Ray-Tioga Fire and the Highway 85 Fire. Both of these fires crossed US Highway 2, and the Highway 85 fire nearly entered the town of Ray. Nearly 90,000 acres were burned by these fires, which resulted in…

The combination of winds and cold Arctic air resulted in wind chill temperatures of 40 below to near 50 below zero. One fatality (direct) occurred due to the extreme cold. The body of an adult female was found one mile from her car near Tioga, in Williams County. The woman left t…

Strong winds and heavy snow combined to produce a blizzard. In addition, periods of freezing rain occurred which accreted on power lines. This, combined with strong winds, led to extensive damage to power lines, cross arms, and poles, and thus widespread power outages.

Williston ASOS reported wind gusts to 68 mph.

Strong winds and snow combined to produce a blizzard.

Williston ASOS reported wind gusts to 60 mph.

Williston ASOS measured sustained winds to 41 mph.

The tornado touched down in an open field southeast of Wheelock and impacted no structures. There was no damage to evaluate. By National Weather Service policy the tornado is rated EF-U (Unknown).

A camper-trailer flipped on Highway 2.

Minimum wind chill values dropped to between 45 below to around 60 below over most locations.

Wind chill values dropped as low as 60 below.

Tioga AWOS reported wind gusts to 75 mph.