North Dakota Environment & Hazard Risk

There was a complex of two main fires in Williams County, referred to as the Ray-Tioga Fire and the Highway 85 Fire. Both of these fires crossed US Highway 2, and the Highway 85 fire nearly entered the town of Ray. Nearly 90,000 acres were burned by these fires, which resulted in two deaths and eight injuries. Many livestock animals died from the wildfires and many miles of fence was destroyed or severely damaged. In addition, two farmsteads were lost, farm equipment was burned including combines and tractors, vehicles and multiple power poles were burned, and many shelterbelts and windbreaks were destroyed. Approximately 425 power poles needed to be replaced in Williams County as a result of the fires.

About 135 people were displaced from their homes. One fatality occurred and 28 people were injured, about 13 of them seriously. Based on the damage the tornado was rated EF2 and from that winds were estimated to have been around 127 mph.||This tornado developed just to the west of a large recreational vehicle, camper, and mobile home park on the southwest side of Watford City. The tornado passed through the park causing extensive and severe damage to over 100 recreational vehicles, campers, and single wide manufactured homes. Power poles were snapped and other non-occupied buildings were damaged and some destroyed, including a well-built pole barn. Many vehicles were damaged, some totaled.

This large and violent tornado initially began in Ransom county 3 miles SSW Enderlin. It crossed into Cass county approximately 3 miles east of Enderlin. EF-4 damage occurred just north of Highway 46 at two farmsteads where devastating damage occurred to both houses and seven outbuildings were destroyed. On the eastern farmstead, one farmhouse was leveled with the debris swept from its foundation and scattered downwind, leading to two fatalities. A lack of structural anchoring was noted at this location. Trees around the farmstead were also debarked, and a few root balls were displaced. The farmstead to the west was leveled for all portions above ground as well. The home had been built into the side of the surrounding hill with some of the debris still piled up around the location. It was built with manufactured steel trusses above the garage, suggesting slightly higher grade construction than a typical residential house. Additionally, a large propane tank was moved across the north end of the property at this location. The tornado continued north, causing additional tree damage and eventually leveling another farm house, leading to one fatality at a farmstead near 51st St east...

Flash flooding resulted in a section of BIA Road 3, locally known as the Kenel Road which connects with ND Highway 1806, being washed out at the crossing with Joe Bush Creek. The culvert washed out and the road collapsed. Four vehicles drove into the washout and resulted in two fatalities and two injuries.

A married couple, both 74 years old, died after driving into the water at a low water crossing. This crossing is locally known to have water running through it during snowmelt and rain events. At the time of the attempted crossing, the water was approximately three to four feet deep over the low water crossing.

Strong winds and heavy snow combined to produce a blizzard. In addition, periods of freezing rain occurred which accreted on power lines. This, combined with strong winds, led to extensive damage to power lines, cross arms, and poles, and thus widespread power outages.