A strong upper level jet streak moving into the region triggered scattered elevated thunderstorm activity during the late morning hours of July 10th over southwest North Dakota. Large hail up to two inches in diameter was reported with these storms. As the aerial coverage of storms became more widespread, Severe Thunderstorm Watch number 616 was issued.  Once the storms advected to the east into south central and southeast North Dakota during the afternoon, they became rooted in the boundary layer and became much more intense necessitating the issuance of Tornado Watch number 617.  Considerable veering winds with height, strong instability, and favorable deep layer sheer produced a favorable environment for very large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and several tornado warnings were issued during this event. Numerous reports of large hail and destructive thunderstorm winds were received. After in depth investigation including two separate storm damage surveys, it was concluded that four confirmed tornadoes occurred during this event, including EF2 tornado damage seven miles south of Napoleon.

Tornado in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:04:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONANGO
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained weather spotter reported a tornado on the ground near Monango. Very strong straight line winds were also reported. Damage was associated with the straight line winds. The tornado was reported in the open country with no damage attributed to it.

Hail in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:50:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: (BIS)BISMARCK MUNI A
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

About a dozen homes in Falconer Estates subdivision had roof and gutter damage from the large hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 13:14:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOFFIT
Magnitude: 83.00 EG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Double poled wood transmission lines were snapped in half. A heavy ranch sign with three foot long concrete anchors was ripped out of the ground. A camper was flipped off of the highway and tossed over a tree row 25 yards from the road.

Thunderstorm Wind in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 13:15:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAZELTON
Magnitude: 83.00 MG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Winds were measured with a home anemometer near Hazelton. Extensive tree damage occurred in Hazelton, with three to six inch in diameter branches blown off of trees. A gas station on the west side of Hazelton sustained damage to the canopy over the gas pumps.

Tornado in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 13:40:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: NAPOLEON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 450.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service storm survey confirmed that an EF2 tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale touched down around seven miles south southwest of Napoleon, then moved east southeast before lifting four miles east of Burnstad. No fewer than three farmsteads were damaged along the path of the tornado. The worst damage occurred seven miles south southwest of Napoleon, where the tornado picked up and threw an 18 thousand bushel grain bin 250 yards, and also destroyed 1,800 feet of shelter belt trees near 100 feet tall.  East southeast of this farmstead, the tornado lifted and rolled a ten ton grain bin three quarters of one mile to another farmstead, where it impacted and damaged a barn. The damage corresponded to EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. From that it was determined that wind speeds with this tornado were around 120 miles per hour.

Tornado in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 14:48:00 to 10-JUL-11 14:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRICOURT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service storm survey confirmed that an EF1 tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale briefly touched down five miles northwest of Merricourt. There was an eye witness to the tornado. A pole barn was damaged along with numerous trees snapped. The damage corresponded to low end EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. From that it was determined that wind speeds were on the order of 90 miles per hour.

Tornado in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:35:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLOVER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A visual confirmation of a brief tornado touchdown was received. The tornado was reported to have touched down in open fields northwest of Oakes, with no damage attributed to it.

Thunderstorm Wind in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 14:40:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRICOURT
Magnitude: 109.00 EG
Property damage: 1.25M
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service Storm Survey was conducted across Dickey County. Widespread mature hardwood trees were snapped or uprooted along a 45 mile long and 4 mile wide damage swath, along with thousands of acres of crop damage due to wind driven hail.  Several communities along the damage path also had severe wind damage. Near Merricourt, damage was observed to a home and to several farm vehicles. In Monango, extensive tree damage was observed, including a large hardwood tree with the diameter of 22 inches. A pole barn and two grain bins were destroyed two miles south of Fullerton, along with several large trees snapped or uprooted.  Around Oakes, numerous buildings sustained heavy damage, along with the destruction of a 200 foot radio station tower. Damage across Dickey County was extensive.

Tornado in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 14:34:00 to 10-JUL-11 14:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHLEY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tornado touched down in a field near Ashley. No damage was reported with this tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 14:40:00 to 10-JUL-11 14:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRICOURT
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong thunderstorm winds blew over a grain bin.

Flood in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:00:00 to 10-JUL-11 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORBES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Persistent thunderstorms with heavy rain over a long period of time brought widespread flooding to many county and township roads across Dickey County.

Hail in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:43:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST ANTHONY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Thunderstorm Wind in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:35:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLENDALE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Strong thunderstorm winds resulted in roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:42:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: LUDDEN
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Strong thunderstorm winds resulted in numerous trees and branches blown down around Ludden.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:45:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUFF
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Strong thunderstorm winds uprooted two foot in diameter oak trees near Huff.

Thunderstorm Wind in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:52:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: (BIS)BISMARCK MUNI A
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Penny size hail accompanied the strong winds.

Hail in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:53:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: (BIS)BISMARCK MUNI A
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Thunderstorm Wind in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 13:24:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAZELTON ARPT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Minor wind damage occurred at a farmstead. Shingles were blown off of a trailer home, and a small building was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 13:33:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRADDOCK
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Strong thunderstorm winds occurred two miles east of Braddock.

Hail in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:33:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:39:00 (MST-7)
Location: FT YATES
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 13:35:00 to 10-JUL-11 13:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: NAPOLEON
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Strong thunderstorm winds damaged several empty grain bins.

Thunderstorm Wind in LA MOURE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:02:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDGELEY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Small hail accompanied the strong winds.

Hail in STARK, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 09:15:00 to 10-JUL-11 09:20:00 (MST-7)
Location: GLADSTONE
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The hail size was estimated by a photo provided by broadcast media. No damage was reported with this large hail.

Hail in GRANT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 09:30:00 to 10-JUL-11 09:35:00 (MST-7)
Location: ELGIN MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Mostly pea size hail with a few larger hail stones.

Hail in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 10:30:00 to 10-JUL-11 10:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLEN ULLIN
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:31:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: FULLERTON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong thunderstorm winds blew numerous tree branches down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:09:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHLEY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong thunderstorm winds blew shingles off of a roof.

Thunderstorm Wind in LA MOURE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 15:30:00 to 10-JUL-11 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDGELEY
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Strong thunderstorm winds blew grain bins over.

Hail in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 10:50:00 to 10-JUL-11 10:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLEN ULLIN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 11:02:00 to 10-JUL-11 11:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALMONT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 11:21:00 to 10-JUL-11 11:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: (BIS)BISMARCK MUNI A
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hail in HETTINGER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 08:45:00 to 10-JUL-11 08:50:00 (MST-7)
Location: BURT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Thunderstorm Wind in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 11:10:00 to 10-JUL-11 11:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANDAN MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The strong winds lasted 15 minutes.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:14:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: SWEET BRIAR
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Estimated winds of 60 miles per hour was reported by the public.

Hail in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 11:50:00 to 10-JUL-11 11:57:00 (MST-7)
Location: SELFRIDGE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:33:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:39:00 (MST-7)
Location: FT YATES
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

One inch in diameter hail was also reported.

Hail in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 10-JUL-11 12:40:00 to 10-JUL-11 12:49:00 (MST-7)
Location: FT YATES
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public