Beltrami County JULY 22, 2016 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT COMPLETED

On Friday, July 22nd, 2016 Beltrami County Emergency Management conducted a damage assessment with the National Weather Service Office out of Grand Forks. Two primary areas of damage were assessed, the first being the area of Arctic Rd and Polaris Rd near Puposky and the second being the City of Bemidij.

The first severe storm affected Beltrami County on the evening of Tuesday, July 19th, 2016. Several storm complexes impacted Beltrami County. The most concentrated area of damage was near Puposky and Nebish. Several areas of straight-line wind damage was found and damage would indicate winds were in the 80-90 miles per hour range, or the equivalency of a strong EF-0 or EF-1 tornado. While this tornado warned storm was capable of producing a tornado and a Beltrami County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a rotating wall cloud, no evidence of a tornado touchdown were found.

A second and more damaging wind event occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 21st, 2016. Widespread wind damage occurred across much of southern Beltrami County with a concentrated area of damage on the north side of Bemidji. Based on damages to trees, structures and power poles, peak winds are estimated to have been between 100-105 miles per hour, the equivalency of a strong EF1 tornado. In addition to the damage estimates, two wind measurements were reported. The Bemidji Regional Airport reported a wind gust of 93 miles per hour at 1:06AM. An additional recording of 80 miles per hour was made at the DNR station.

As residents continue to clear debris from their property we have some additional information to pass on. Pipeline carriers and gas companies would like to remind you to exercise caution and utilize the Gopher State One Call by dialing 811 and have your underground utilities marked. This should be done before any stump grinding or removal occurs to avoid damaging underground utilities.

The Beltrami County Solid Waste Manager would like to inform citizens that the Beltrami County Landfill will be open extended hours on Saturday, July 23rd to allow citizens an opportunity to dispose of their trees, brush and yard waste at no cost for Beltrami County residents. The extended hours will be from 8AM until 6PM. Residents of the City of Bemidji will have an opportunity for debris to be picked up by placing brush and tree limbs at the curb side, but not on the roadway. Collection will occur on Tuesday, July 26th.

Additional severe thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, July 23rd. Keep a source of NOAA Weather Radio or emergency weather information close. Electrical crews along with city and county crews have been expeditiously clearing debris and restoring utilities. As of Friday evening, less than an estimated 200 customers remained without power.

-Christopher Muller

Director, Beltrami County Emergency Management