By Scout Nelson
Governor Kelly Armstrong has declared a statewide disaster in North Dakota following severe storms that swept through the state on August 7 and 8. The storms produced tornadoes, large hail, and powerful winds between 70 and 100 miles per hour, leaving behind widespread destruction across south central and eastern regions of the state.
The severe weather caused significant damage to homes, businesses, farms, and public property. More than 16,000 residents experienced power outages, and thousands of trees and structures were damaged or destroyed. Early estimates show electrical infrastructure damage alone reaching nearly $6 million, with rural electric cooperatives especially hard hit.
Through his executive order, Governor Armstrong activated the State Emergency Operations Plan. This declaration also clears the way for North Dakota to request a presidential major disaster declaration, which, if approved, will make federal resources available to support recovery efforts and help ease the financial burden on taxpayers and utility customers.
“While local jurisdictions were able to handle the initial response, the recovery from these storms has exceeded local and state capacity,” Armstrong said, emphasizing the impact on utilities and communities.
This latest disaster follows closely after another round of severe storms on June 20 and 21, which produced more than 20 tornadoes, claimed four lives, and caused over $11 million in damage to public infrastructure, utilities, grain bins, and private property. A federal disaster request from that event is still pending.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Weather