A line of severe thunderstorms developed over southeast Montana on the evening of August 30th, and continued to track across western and central North Dakota. These thunderstorms reached the Devils Lake region just after midnight, producing strong wind gusts and large hail. The storms eventually tracked into northeast North Dakota and the far northwest corner of Minnesota. This was a perfect elevated thunderstorm scenario, with the storms being fed by the low level jet. The greatest core of damage occurred from Grafton (ND) to Donaldson (MN), where strong straight line winds were measured by several mesonet wind sensors.

Thunderstorm Wind in KITTSON, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:03:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: DONALDSON
Magnitude: 105.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Peak westerly winds to 121 mph were measured at the RWIS site located along highway 11. Damage to downwind fields, farm shelterbelts and the community of Donaldson were commensurate with winds to that extreme.

Thunderstorm Wind in KITTSON, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:04:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: DONALDSON
Magnitude: 104.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Two large commercial grade steel bins and their horizontal transfer system were torn out from the city grain elevator facility and were splayed to the east, partially blocking U. S. Highway 75. Several wooden power poles in the area were also snapped. Numerous large trees and tree limbs were torn down around the community and most homes sustained shingle, roofing and siding damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in KITTSON, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:05:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: DONALDSON
Magnitude: 96.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Three farm grade steel grain bins were torn off their foundations and blown out into a field. Three more steel bins at the farm yard were severely dented in and partially removed from their foundations. Numerous shingles were torn off of a home and all west facing windows on the home were cracked. A nearby metal highway signpost was snapped. Peak winds were estimated at 110 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:07:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: STEPHEN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several large tree branches were broken down in shelterbelts along U. S. Highway 75. Intermittent tree damage continued into and north of Stephen, from northern Tamarac Township into Sinnott Township.

Thunderstorm Wind in KITTSON, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:15:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: KARLSTAD ARPT
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous large tree branches were broken down and several large trees, both oak and poplar, were snapped off in shelterbelts and groves near highway 11 through portions of both Springbrook and Deerwood townships.

Thunderstorm Wind in KITTSON, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:11:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALLOCK ARPT
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Reported by: AWOS

Thunderstorm Wind in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:25:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRANDQUIST
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous large tree branches were broken down and several large trees, both oak and poplar, were snapped off in shelterbelts and groves across portions of central Nelson Park and Lincoln townships.

Thunderstorm Wind in KITTSON, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:26:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: PELAU
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous large tree branches were broken down and several large trees, both oak and poplar, were snapped off in shelterbelts and groves across portions of Arveson Township.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROSEAU, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:33:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: PELAN
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The peak wind was measured at the NDAWN mesonet site west of Greenbush on county road 4.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROSEAU, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:43:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRATHCONA
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous large tree branches were broken down and several large trees, both oak and poplar, were snapped off in shelterbelts and groves across portions of Deer and Lind townships.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 02:50:00 to 01-SEP-11 02:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIDDLE RIVER
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Large tree branches were blown down.

Hail in RED LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 01-SEP-11 03:50:00 to 01-SEP-11 03:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: OKLEE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous nickel to quarter sized hail fell during very heavy rains and strong winds.