TORNADO AND SEVERE STORM DAMAGES IN BELTRAMI COUNTY

The National Weather Service has confirmed at least one tornado hit Beltrami County on the afternoon of July 21st, 2017 and several other storms produced thunderstorm wind damage. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center had portions of Beltrami County in an “enhanced risk” of severe weather that afternoon.

At approximately 3:30PM a severe thunderstorm tracked across east central Beltrami County, near Saum, and produced damaging thunderstorm wind and large hail. The storm produced a tornado in the area of Shilo Rd and Cormant Rd approximately 10 miles west of Kelliher from 3:45PM to 3:50PM. The tornado was witnessed by a farmer working a nearby field who observed the tornado touch down several times. The tornado and thunderstorm winds resulted in several barns, outbuildings, cattle shelters and grain bins being damaged or destroyed. Lighting also struck a hay bale resulting in a fire. The National Weather Service in Grand Forks completed a damage assessment of the tornado path and concluded the tornado was an EF1.

Several other severe thunderstorms developed in the region. At approximately 5:00PM another severe thunderstorm moved into Beltrami County, impacting approximately the southern 15 miles of the county. This storm produced straight-line winds in excess of 60mph with stronger gusts. The storm downed hundreds of trees, powerlines, and damaged traffic control devices (stoplights and street signs). Torrential rains resulted in brief urban flooding of streets and ponding of water in low lying areas.

Immediately following the storms an estimated 4000 customers were without power. Utility crews worked through the night and into the weekend to restore power to affected customers. By Saturday most service was restored, however isolated areas took longer due to infrastructure damage needing repair or replacement.

Any townships, cities or other political jurisdictions that had significant damages or costs related to the storms that impacted Beltrami County on July 21st should contact Emergency Management Director Christopher Muller at 218-333-8386 or chris.muller@co.beltrami.mn.us.

There were no fatalities or injuries as a result of these storms in Beltrami County.

-Christopher Muller

Beltrami County Emergency Management Director