Much like the July 4th severe episode, surface winds were very weak throughout this event. However, there was a strong upper low that moved into north central North Dakota during the afternoon. The most sun and surface heating occurred around the low. By the early afternoon, a line of thunderstorms developed between Devils Lake and Cooperstown (ND), and several funnel cloud reports were quickly received. Other cells formed around the Grand Forks area and over portions of west central Minnesota. Every thunderstorm seemed to have a shelf cloud associated with it, each producing funnel clouds or low hanging appendages. The thunderstorms over west central Minnesota produced large hail.

Funnel Cloud in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 12:05:00 to 07-JUL-16 12:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: TOLNA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

A small funnel cloud was seen moving up and down from the cloud base. The funnel was observed from Devils Lake.

Funnel Cloud in GRIGGS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 12:25:00 to 07-JUL-16 12:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Funnel Cloud in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 12:35:00 to 07-JUL-16 12:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEKIN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A funnel cloud was seen hanging down halfway between the cloud base and the ground.

Tornado in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 13:05:00 to 07-JUL-16 13:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKOTA MUNI ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado tracked intermittently to the east-northeast for about nine miles. Damage was confined to the occasional shelterbelt or grove along the path, where numerous large branches and limbs were broken off. The tornado was briefly viewed and photographed as it approached the city of Michigan, before it was wrapped in heavy rain. Peak winds were estimated at 80 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 13:37:00 to 07-JUL-16 13:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: MICHIGAN CITY
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Very strong winds and cracking trees were reported, as well as possible debris.

Funnel Cloud in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 15:55:00 to 07-JUL-16 15:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: THOMPSON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A funnel cloud was seen near the intersection of highway 15 and airport road.

Tornado in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 16:06:00 to 07-JUL-16 16:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: POWELL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Grand Forks air traffic control tower officials observed a brief tornado about three miles south of the airport tower. There was not much of a funnel, but rotation was evident in the cloud and a lot of dust was kicked up. The tornado remained over an open field, with peak winds estimated at 70 mph.

Funnel Cloud in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 16:08:00 to 07-JUL-16 16:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND FORKS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

The funnel was spotted near the Alerus Center.

Funnel Cloud in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 16:11:00 to 07-JUL-16 16:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRIFIELD
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

A funnel cloud was seen near the KNOX tower south of Grand Forks.

Tornado in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 07-JUL-16 16:15:00 to 07-JUL-16 16:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRIFIELD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A touchdown was observed and photographed by a spotter who was located near Interstate 29 at mile point 134, or four miles north-northeast of Thompson. The tornado broke large tree branches in a shelterbelt along the path. Peak winds were estimated at 75 mph.