Early in the morning of the 23rd, a squall line moved from central North Dakota, across the Fargo Moorhead area, and into portions of west central Minnesota. It was another warm and muggy night, with dew points still in the low 70s across southeast North Dakota and west central Minnesota. This set up a good instability and moisture gradient from Bismarck (ND) to Aberdeen (SD) into west central Minnesota. The main storm complex was aided by the low level jet, which also focused along the instability gradient. Most of the severe reports came from strong wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHRISTINE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Trees were knocked over and split. The time was estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:31:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: FARGO
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The wind gust was measured in south Fargo.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:35:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: FARGO
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

The wind gust was measured by the ASOS at the Fargo airport, on the north side of the city.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 01:51:00 to 23-JUL-11 01:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: AYR
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was measured by the ND DOT RWIS site along highway 38.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARGENT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 01:40:00 to 23-JUL-11 01:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: GWINNER ARPT
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: Public

A few large 3 to 5 inch diameter branches were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:25:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARDNER
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A semi truck was overturned on Interstate 29 near mile post 88.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARNES, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 01:25:00 to 23-JUL-11 01:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH VLY CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

A few large three to five inch diameter tree branches and tree limbs were broken down by strong winds at a campground.

Thunderstorm Wind in TRAILL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:29:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUXTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Two trees were snapped in a shelterbelt east of Interstate 29 near mile post 114. A ND DOT RWIS sensor located two miles to the southwest measured peak winds of 55 mph.

Flash Flood in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:45:00 to 23-JUL-11 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEKIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 15.00K
Reported by: Public

Flooding occurred along a farm access road and several sections of farmland in eastern Osage and western Hamlin townships. Ditches flowing into Silver Creek overflowed.

Hail in BARNES, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 01:00:00 to 23-JUL-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LITCHVILLE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Wind speeds were estimated at 40 to 50 mph with torrential rain.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:00:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEONARD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were blown down in Leonard.

Thunderstorm Wind in TRAILL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:20:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLSBORO
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Several 10 inch diameter trees were split by strong winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:27:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: FARGO
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Wind gusts were estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

Flash Flood in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 to 23-JUL-11 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW ROCKFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Water covered county road 4 southeast of New Rockford, along Rocky Run Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FARGO
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 500.00K
Reported by: Public

Significant damage occurred to apartments in south Fargo, along Amber Valley Parkway.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:02:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: LYNCHBURG
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was measured by a NDAWN mesonet site.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:35:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: REYNOLDS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Several large branches and tree limbs were blown down in shelterbelts.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:40:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: WAHPETON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

A tree was blown down onto a road.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 to 23-JUL-11 02:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIVERSIDE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trees were blown down in West Fargo, blocking streets.