Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has commended local leaders, first responders, and community volunteers for their response to recent tornadoes and strong winds that affected North Dakota. Armstrong highlighted the collaborative efforts at various levels after inspecting damage in Enderlin, Page, and Hunter.

"The way North Dakotans have responded to this disaster has been spectacular and is a testament to the exceptional leaders and volunteers in our close-knit communities and the power of collaboration at the local, state and federal levels," Armstrong stated. He noted the storm produced over a dozen tornadoes across more than half of the state, causing significant destruction.

Armstrong acknowledged progress made by local volunteers and utility crews in restoring power. "Local volunteers and utility crews have made incredible progress cleaning up and restoring power, with less than 300 people remaining without power this morning, down from 37,000 on Saturday," he said. He also mentioned potential requests for a presidential disaster declaration to aid recovery efforts.

A statewide disaster was declared by Armstrong following multiple tornadoes that led to four fatalities. The National Weather Service confirmed 13 tornadoes during the storm before it moved into Minnesota.

During his survey, Armstrong observed extensive damage including crumpled grain bins representing millions of bushels of lost storage just months before harvest. He discussed agricultural impacts with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson of the North Dakota National Guard and Darin Hanson from the state's Homeland Security Division joined Armstrong in assessing damage. The Department of Emergency Services continues collaborating with communities on assessments while urging officials to document damages thoroughly.