Powerful Derecho Rips Through Central North Dakota, Leaving Extensive Damage

A powerful and rare wind event struck central North Dakota on Sunday, September 14, 2025, when a long-lived and fast-moving line of thunderstorms—characteristic of a derecho—swept through the state. This event brought hurricane-force winds, produced at least 15 tornadoes, and left a significant mark on the communities in its path. The National Weather Service in Bismarck has revised its estimates, noting that while the number of confirmed tornadoes is still being finalized, the impact was widespread, with preliminary counts indicating up to 19 reports between North Dakota and northern South Dakota over the course of the afternoon and evening.

One notable story is that of Kevin Vietz, a volunteer firefighter from Denhoff, North Dakota, who lost his home when an EF2 tornado, associated with this powerful storm system, ripped through his property. Vietz shared that he was fortunate not to be at home during the tornado. Much of his belongings were carried off by the winds, some found scattered as far as a mile away. According to local emergency managers, two homes in the Denhoff area were destroyed while several other structures, including a pole barn, suffered major damage. Extensive tree loss was reported throughout Sheridan County and surrounding regions.

The Enhanced Fujita scale rated several tornadoes produced by the derecho as EF1 and EF2, which means wind speeds ranged from 86 to 135 miles per hour. While there were no widespread power outages from this particular September 14 event, earlier derechos and severe weather outbreaks this summer, such as those in June and August, were also referenced by The Bismarck Tribune for causing extensive damage and power outages, highlighting how this year has broken the state’s tornado records. Specifically, North Dakota's annual tornado count has reached 73, already surpassing the previous record set in 1999.

In the aftermath of Sunday’s storm, Bismarck recorded nearly two and a half inches of rain in a single afternoon, setting a new daily rainfall record. Flooding accompanied the storms, with more rain expected to persist throughout the week, although no significant severe storms were forecast for the days immediately following.

Listeners should note that while the meteorological focus has shifted away from severe storms as the week progresses, the impacts of this derecho will be felt for some time, as recovery efforts get underway and communities take stock of their losses after a wild summer of record-breaking severe weather in North Dakota.

Thank you for tuning in to this update on destructive windstorms across the United States. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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