By mid to late afternoon of August 3rd, a cold front had moved into central North Dakota. Ahead of the cold front, a warm front extended out to the east, or along the Canadian border. This put all of eastern North Dakota and the northwest quarter of Minnesota in the warm sector, where afternoon highs reached into the 80s to around 90, with dew point readings well into the 60s. A ribbon of extreme instability pooled from north to south just ahead of the cold front, with a lot of low level twisting evident in the wind field. Thunderstorms flared up in a northeast to southwest line around Rugby, North Dakota, then slowly tracked eastward during the evening. Some of the initial thunderstorms resulted in tornadoes in the Bisbee, North Dakota, area, as well as very large hail. In addition, these storms dropped large amounts of rain in the Bisbee area. As these initial storms moved east, they gradually weakened and became more disorganized. Meanwhile, storms along the southern edge of the line strengthened, gradually affecting the Devils Lake, North Dakota, area. Once again, several tornadoes were reported, with large hail as well. By late evening into the early morning hours of August 4th, the line over Devils Lake joined a line that blew up southwest of Jamestown, North Dakota, to form a continuous line of storms. This line of storms continued to move east, pushing through the central and southern Red River Valley, and into portions of west central Minnesota. By the time it reached west central Minnesota, the storms mainly produced damaging wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:30:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: EGELAND
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous poplar and pine trees were snapped or uprooted at farmsteads and shelterbelts across Crocus and Twin Hill townships. Large 1200 pound hay bales were blown across a road.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 16:05:00 to 03-AUG-16 16:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: KNOX
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A few four to six inch diameter tree branches were blown down in shelterbelts across northern Knox Township.

Hail in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 16:25:00 to 03-AUG-16 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: ZION
Magnitude: 2.50 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

The hail covered the ground.

Thunderstorm Wind in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:55:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: CONSIDINE
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The wind gust was measured by mobile equipment.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAVALIER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:20:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEAVER
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was measured by the Hampden RAWS station.

Flash Flood in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:30:00 to 03-AUG-16 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BISBEE LYSTER ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 66 was closed due to water flowing across the road. Fields and ditches were flooded across Grainfield, Sorenson, New City, and Gerrard townships.

Thunderstorm Wind in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:12:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARSKE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Four large 20,000 bushel steel grain bins were partially caved in at a farmstead.

Hail in PEMBINA, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:20:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMILTON
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Public

Quarter to ping pong ball sized hail fell across central Hamilton Township, along with very heavy rain and strong winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAVALIER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:31:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: LANGDON
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A few large tree branches were blown down and at least one twelve inch diameter tree was snapped near the ground.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAVALIER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:33:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: LANGDON
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was measured by a personal weather station.

Hail in BENSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:38:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: MADDOCK MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter sized hail was reported along with heavy rain.

Hail in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:40:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAZA
Magnitude: 2.00 
Reported by: Social Media

Thunderstorm Wind in CAVALIER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:52:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: MUNICH
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous large tree branches were blown down in shelterbelts across Trier and Seivert townships.

Thunderstorm Wind in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:00:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PENN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several four to six inch diameter tree branches were blown down in shelterbelts along highway 2.

Hail in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:23:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANDO
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter sized hail fell along with very heavy rain.

Hail in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:26:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANDO
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Social Media

Thunderstorm Wind in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 21:02:00 to 03-AUG-16 21:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC VILLE ARPT
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A few four to six inch diameter tree branches were blown down. Pea to penny size hail also fell.

Hail in GRIGGS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 21:25:00 to 03-AUG-16 21:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHEPARD
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 21:28:00 to 03-AUG-16 21:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: (GFK)GRAND FORKS INT
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

The wind gust was measured at the Grand Forks airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 21:42:00 to 03-AUG-16 21:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: (RDR)GRAND FORKS AFB
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The wind gust was measured at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Heavy Rain in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 21:49:00 to 03-AUG-16 21:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND FORKS
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Street and underpass flooding was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANSOM, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 22:10:00 to 03-AUG-16 22:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC LEOD
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was measured at a RAWS station.

Hail in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:25:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEVILS LAKE ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Nickel to quarter sized hail fell.

Funnel Cloud in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:28:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW ROCKFORD
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A brief funnel cloud was observed west of New Rockford.

Heavy Rain in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:57:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: BISBEE LYSTER ARPT
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Heavy rain resulted in rising water in ditches, approaching on highway 66.

Hail in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:40:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BISBEE LYSTER ARPT
Magnitude: 2.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Large hail fell along highway 66.

Heavy Rain in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 18:05:00 to 03-AUG-16 18:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKLAKE
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Heavy rain resulted in street flooding.

Hail in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:47:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWVILLE
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Public

Large hail and very strong winds were reported across northern Victor Township.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARGENT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 23:01:00 to 03-AUG-16 23:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: GWINNER
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong winds were reported.

Hail in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:45:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIVIDE SIDING
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Hail in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 20:15:00 to 03-AUG-16 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMAR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Tornado in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:40:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: SWEETWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was the first of two tornadoes viewed and photographed by multiple storm chasers in the Sweetwater Lake area, in southern Freshwater and Morris townships. This tornado tracked over open fields and marshland. Peak winds were estimated at 75 mph.

Tornado in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 20:10:00 to 03-AUG-16 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRANTFORD
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado tracked across far southeast Hilldale Township into the far southwest corner of Eddy Township, snapping or uprooting numerous trees along the Sheyenne River valley. The roof was completely torn off a farmhouse, with several outbuildings also destroyed. Peak winds were estimated at 135 mph.

Funnel Cloud in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:29:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: (DVL)DEVILS LAKE MUN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A persistent wall cloud with brief funnels was observed.

Hail in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:35:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEVILS LAKE ARPT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Funnel Cloud in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:38:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHEYENNE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A persistent wall cloud with funnel was observed.

Tornado in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 19:41:00 to 03-AUG-16 19:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: SWEETWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was the second of two tornadoes viewed and photographed by multiple storm chasers in the Sweetwater Lake area. This tornado tracked to the east-southeast over open fields and marshland. Peak winds were estimated at 75 mph.

Flash Flood in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 22:40:00 to 03-AUG-16 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND FORKS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Portions of University avenue, DeMers avenue, Washington Street, and 42nd street were flooded by heavy rain. The Washington underpass was also flooded and closed to traffic.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANSOM, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 22:43:00 to 03-AUG-16 22:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIOTT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Strong winds caused minor roof damage and knocked down two large trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 17:23:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARNDT
Magnitude: 85.00 EG
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Power lines and power poles were snapped along highway 281, one to two miles north of the intersection with highway 66.

Thunderstorm Wind in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 16:55:00 to 03-AUG-16 16:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: BISBEE LYSTER ARPT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Power poles and power lines were blown down.

Tornado in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 03-AUG-16 16:45:00 to 03-AUG-16 17:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: AGATE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in Rolette County, then crossed into Towner County one mile north-northeast of Agate. In Towner County, it tracked for twelve miles. The tornado center tracked about 2.5 miles north of Bisbee and continued east across highway 281. The tornado demolished farm buildings at two farms and snapped over two dozen power poles at various locales. Peak winds were estimated at 120 mph.