SEVERE STORMS AFFECT BELTRAMI COUNTY

Shortly after 1:00AM Friday, August 19th, 2011 the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was alerted of a severe thunderstorm that would be moving through southern Beltrami County through 2:30AM with a warning for large hail. As the storm moved through southern Beltrami County the storm intensified with strong damaging winds affecting the City of Bemidji and areas to the east. Numerous trees, utility poles, and utility lines are down. The area that is reporting the most damage is the Nymore Neighborhood of Bemidji and areas to the east between Power Dam Rd and Roosevelt Rd.

City crews have been called out to clear debris from roadways. Several unoccupied cars were hit by falling trees. As of 5:00AM Bemidji City crews were still clearing debris from roadways. There are numerous trees with power lines tangled in them that are unable to be cleared until utility crews can clear the downed lines. If citizens encounter downed power lines assume they are live and conducting electricity, leave the area immediately and report the downed line to 911.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when navigating roadways during the morning commute as isolated flash flooding of roadways has been reported. In addition there are several stop lights that are without power and are dark. Watch for cross traffic and do not assume cross traffic will stop. County and City crews will continue to clear debris from roadways as quickly as they are able.

Beltrami Electric and Ottertail Power are working on restoring power to southern Beltrami County.

No injuries have been reported as a result of this storm.

~Christopher Muller

Assistant Emergency Management Director /

911 Communications Team Leader /

Law Enforcement Center TAC

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

613 Minnesota Ave NW

Bemidji, MN 56601

ph.218-333-8386

chris.muller@co.beltrami.mn.us