A powerful derecho brought devastating wind, tornadoes, and widespread damage across North Dakota and western Minnesota from late Friday into early Saturday. Three people were killed in Enderlin, North Dakota, which was hit by an EF-3 tornado. Wind gusts exceeded 100 miles per hour across the region, including a 111-mph gust near Luverne, North Dakota, and 106 mph in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tornadoes were confirmed in Stutsman, Barnes, Ransom, and Cass Counties of North Dakota, destroying buildings, downing power poles, and leaving areas without cell service. A long line of rail cars was knocked off the tracks (pictured). The storms left more than 100,000 people without power across the Northern Plains. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has declared a statewide disaster. The declaration mobilizes state resources and allows coordination with federal agencies to support recovery efforts and infrastructure restoration. This will be a long, laborious recovery process. The devastation is heartbreaking. Yet, the Red River Farm Network is confident in the reliance found within our ag community during difficult times like this.
