Alert archive / North Dakota / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 3, NWS Bismarck, ND

June 9, 2026McHenry County, Renville County, Ward County, North Dakota

NWS Bismarck, ND issued this tornado warning at Jun 9, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT for McHenry County, Renville County, Ward County, North Dakota. It was in force for 46 min. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued: Jun 9, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT (23:59 UTC)
Expired: Jun 9, 2026, 7:45 PM CDT
In force: 46 min
Issued by: NWS Bismarck, ND
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 0.0 in

Counties McHenry County, ND, Renville County, ND, Ward County, ND

The radar

The Minot AFB radar (KMBX), 14 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:01 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

Time	Report	Where	Remark
Jun 9, 7:00 PM CDT	TSTM WND DMG	Sawyer, ND	Ward County Emergency Manager relayed damage reports from the town of Sawyer. Power was out, numerous trees down on roads, and a large tree fell onto a house and made a hole in the roof. Based on damage photos and radar interrogation, winds are estimated aroun
Jun 9, 7:01 PM CDT	TSTM WND GST 59	5 Nne Sawyer, ND	59MPH gust recorded at 3M at 3S Genoa NDAWN.
Jun 9, 7:03 PM CDT	TSTM WND GST 65	Velva, ND	Spotter estimated winds of 60 to 70 mph as gust front moved into Velva.
Jun 9, 7:19 PM CDT	TSTM WND GST 68	8 Nw Denbigh, ND	68MPH gust reported from 3SW Bantry NDAWN at 10m.
Jun 9, 7:25 PM CDT	TSTM WND DMG	10 Ene Wolseth, ND	Photos relayed from fire department of damage to a homestead. Main area of damage is to a barn on the property, with roof panels ripped off and some collapse of wood frame structure for the roof panels. Large portions of the panels were scattered across the pr

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

Issued	Product	Office	Lasted
Jun 9, 4:32 PM CDT	Tornado Watch	SPC	8 hr

The text

As transmitted.

691 
WFUS53 KBIS 092359
TORBIS
NDC049-075-101-100045-
/O.NEW.KBIS.TO.W.0003.260609T2359Z-260610T0045Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
659 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Western McHenry County in north central North Dakota...
  Southeastern Renville County in north central North Dakota...
  East Central Ward County in north central North Dakota...

* Until 745 PM CDT.

* At 659 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
  tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located near
  Sawyer, or 13 miles southeast of Minot, moving north at 55 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
           to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
           likely.

* Locations impacted include...
  Velva, Surrey, Glenburn, Sawyer, Granville, Deering, Norwich,
  Voltaire, Logan, Bantry, Simcoe and Wolseth.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4846 10122 4855 10123 4855 10108 4854 10106
      4855 10106 4854 10057 4795 10084 4811 10120
TIME...MOT...LOC 2358Z 190DEG 48KT 4815 10104

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

$$

CJS

4 follow-up statements

217 
WWUS53 KBIS 100006
SVSBIS

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
706 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

NDC049-075-101-100045-
/O.CON.KBIS.TO.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260610T0045Z/
McHenry ND-Renville ND-Ward ND-
706 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
MCHENRY, SOUTHEASTERN RENVILLE AND EAST CENTRAL WARD COUNTIES...

At 706 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located 6
miles east of Surrey, or 13 miles east of Minot, moving north at 55
mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
  Velva, Surrey, Glenburn, Sawyer, Granville, Deering, Norwich,
  Voltaire, Logan, Bantry, Simcoe and Wolseth.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4846 10122 4855 10123 4855 10108 4854 10106
      4855 10106 4854 10057 4795 10084 4811 10120
TIME...MOT...LOC 2359Z 190DEG 48KT 4816 10103

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

$$

CJS

447 
WWUS53 KBIS 100019
SVSBIS

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
719 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

NDC049-075-101-100045-
/O.CON.KBIS.TO.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260610T0045Z/
McHenry ND-Renville ND-Ward ND-
719 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN MCHENRY, SOUTHEASTERN RENVILLE AND EAST CENTRAL WARD
COUNTIES...

At 719 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located 6
miles northeast of Deering, or 21 miles northeast of Minot, moving
north at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
  Surrey, Glenburn, Granville, Deering, Norwich, Bantry, Simcoe and
  Wolseth.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4846 10122 4855 10123 4855 10108 4854 10107
      4854 10106 4855 10106 4854 10057 4804 10080
      4819 10116
TIME...MOT...LOC 0006Z 192DEG 49KT 4826 10100

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

CJS

615 
WWUS53 KBIS 100028
SVSBIS

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
728 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

NDC101-100038-
/O.CAN.KBIS.TO.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260610T0045Z/
Ward ND-
728 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

...TORNADO WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR EAST CENTRAL WARD COUNTY...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1200 AM CDT for a portion of
north central North Dakota.

&&

LAT...LON 4846 10122 4855 10123 4855 10108 4854 10107
      4854 10106 4855 10106 4854 10057 4829 10068
      4846 10106
TIME...MOT...LOC 0019Z 192DEG 49KT 4844 10094

$$


NDC049-075-100045-
/O.CON.KBIS.TO.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260610T0045Z/
McHenry ND-Renville ND-
728 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN MCHENRY AND SOUTHEASTERN RENVILLE COUNTIES...

At 728 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located 11
miles south of Newburg, or 28 miles southwest of Bottineau, moving
north at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
  Glenburn and Bantry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4846 10122 4855 10123 4855 10108 4854 10107
      4854 10106 4855 10106 4854 10057 4829 10068
      4846 10106
TIME...MOT...LOC 0019Z 192DEG 49KT 4844 10094

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

CJS

534 
WWUS53 KBIS 100040
SVSBIS

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
740 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

NDC049-075-100050-
/O.EXP.KBIS.TO.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260610T0045Z/
McHenry ND-Renville ND-
740 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

...TORNADO WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 745 PM CDT FOR NORTHWESTERN MCHENRY
AND SOUTHEASTERN RENVILLE COUNTIES...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. A Severe
Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for portions of McHenry
and Renville Counties.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1200 AM CDT for a portion of
north central North Dakota.

&&

LAT...LON 4846 10122 4855 10123 4855 10108 4854 10107
      4854 10106 4855 10106 4854 10057 4829 10068
      4846 10106
TIME...MOT...LOC 0028Z 192DEG 49KT 4856 10090

$$

CJS

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Bismarck, ND wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jun 9, 6:56 PM CDT, 3 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected this evening. Potential exists for significant hazards, including hail up to tennis ball size, damaging winds up to 80 mph, and a few tornadoes, one or two of which could be strong.
Warm, humid, and windy today. Then cooler with near-daily shower and thunderstorm chances through the rest of this week and into early next week.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 9, 6:56 PM CDT, 3 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
656 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected this evening.
  Potential exists for significant hazards, including hail up to
  tennis ball size, damaging winds up to 80 mph, and a few
  tornadoes, one or two of which could be strong.

- Warm, humid, and windy today. Then cooler with near-daily
  shower and thunderstorm chances through the rest of this week
  and into early next week.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 648 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

Severe risk remains elevated over northwest and central North
Dakota, where Tornado Watch continues. Did end up trimming off a
few counties in the southwest (Stark southward) where boundary
has passed into and temperature/dewpoint continue to drop off.
In the area still under the watch, very strong instability
remains in place, particularly over north central North Dakota
dipping a bit into south central where CAPE values of around
3000-4000 J/Kg are noted.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 237 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

Numerous severe thunderstorms remain the expectation for this
afternoon and evening with all threats on the table.

Currently, elongated low pressure is analyzed over the western
Dakotas. Potent shortwave energy is in the process of lifting up
through the Northern Plains, while previously stationary
surface frontal boundary has lifted northward into Canada as a
warm frontal boundary. This warm frontal boundary has advected
very warm and moist air into the state. North to south
orientated cold frontal boundary off said low will rapidly slide
west to east across the state this afternoon and evening. This
will force widespread thunderstorm activity with numerous severe
thunderstorms likely.

One of the biggest questions remains in regard to storm mode. With
the cold fropa, normally a more linear mode would be favored.
However, with 0 to 6 km bulk shear favoring a 45 degree angle in
relation to the front, it seems a more clustered mode is
likely. What may wind up happening in the end is a line of
embedded supercells develops. Especially as it heads east
towards an even more favored severe weather environment.
Therefore, the current thinking is that discrete cells may
develop in western North Dakota by mid-afternoon. These will
likely transition into some form of line with the question being
whether it's a more traditional QLCS, or a line of embedded
supercells. Should the latter wind up being the case, then a
tornado and large hail threat would persist longer than
otherwise would be anticipated. Besides storm mode, curved
hodographs are highly favorable towards tornado genesis for any
discrete cells and within any QLCS. As such, believe the SPC
hatched 10 percent tornado outlook is reasonable, though the
highest SigTOR parameter highlights northern ND during the
middle of the afternoon and eastern, especially northeastern, ND
late this afternoon and evening.

Once the main line passes through, isolated to scattered showers
and a few sub-severe thunderstorms are possible through
Wednesday morning. After which, mostly dry conditions are
expected during the afternoon and evening. Additional showers
and thunderstorms are then possible from west to east late
Wednesday night through Thursday as another shortwave off upper
Canadian low passes through. These thunderstorms are expected to
remain sub-severe at this time. A few occasional showers and
thunderstorms are then periodically possible through the
remainder of the week.

Much cooler temperatures are expected beyond today through the
remainder of the week with highs mostly in the 60s and 70s.
Simultaneously, lows will also be in the 40s for most locations,
most nights beyond tonight. Breezy to windy conditions are also
on tap for most days to finish out the week.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 648 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

Widespread severe thunderstorms this evening primarily over
northwest North Dakota into central North Dakota and the James
RIver Valley. Heavy rain will reduce visibility to IFR
conditions or lower, while MFVR/IFR ceilings are possibly with
any showers and thunderstorms. Very gusty and erratic winds,
hail, and a few tornadoes are possible with these storms. Used
PROB30s and TEMPOs as needed based on the highest confidence of
severe weather timing.

&&

.BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

UPDATE...JJS
DISCUSSION...Telken
AVIATION...JJS

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 9, 6:46 PM CDT, 13 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
646 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

NDZ001>005-009-010-012-013-017>020-022-023-025-035>037-042-
046>048-050-051-055>062-110000-
Divide-Burke-Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Williams-Mountrail-
McHenry-Pierce-McKenzie-Dunn-Mercer-Oliver-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-
Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Grant-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-
Dickey-Northwest Ward-Central and Southern Ward/Minot Area-
Western McLean-Eastern McLean-Western Morton-Eastern Morton-
Western Sioux-Eastern Sioux-
646 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026 /546 PM MDT Tue Jun 9 2026/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
North Dakota, northwest North Dakota, south central North Dakota,
southeast North Dakota, and southwest North Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected this evening. Expected
hazards include hail up to tennis ball size, damaging winds up to
80 mph, and a few tornadoes, one or two of which could be strong.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are asked to provide reports to the NWS using standard
procedures, including through our social media accounts.

NDZ031>033-040-041-043-044-110000-
Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Slope-Hettinger-Bowman-Adams-
546 PM MDT Tue Jun 9 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest North
Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are asked to provide reports to the NWS using standard
procedures, including through our social media accounts.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jun 9, 6:22 PM CDT, 37 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
622 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0619 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     Garrison                47.65N 101.42W
06/09/2026  M60 MPH          McLean             ND   Emergency Mngr

            EM called and report sheets of rain and Pea
            size hail and 60 mph winds.

&&

Johnson

Local storm report, Jun 9, 6:28 PM CDT, 31 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
628 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0611 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 SSW Raub              47.70N 102.08W
06/09/2026  M65 MPH          McLean             ND   Public

            Measured wind gust on private weather
            station.

&&

MEJ

Local storm report, Jun 9, 6:33 PM CDT, 26 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
633 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0628 PM     Hail             Riverdale               47.50N 101.37W
06/09/2026  M0.88 Inch       McLean             ND   Trained Spotter

&&

Telken

Local storm report, Jun 9, 6:45 PM CDT, 14 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
645 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0645 PM     Hail             5 NNE Alamo             48.65N 103.43W
06/09/2026  M2.00 Inch       Divide             ND   Emergency Mngr

            2 IN reported near Alamo from Williams
            County EM.

&&

CSD

Local storm report, Jun 9, 6:52 PM CDT, 7 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
652 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0636 PM     Hail             Fortuna                 48.91N 103.78W
06/09/2026  M1.75 Inch       Divide             ND   Trained Spotter

            Mostly smaller hail, but a few as large as
            golf balls.

&&

Telken

Local storm report, Jun 9, 6:59 PM CDT, 0 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
659 PM CDT Tue Jun 9 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0649 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     8 SSW Sawyer            47.98N 101.09W
06/09/2026  M72 MPH          Ward               ND   Mesonet

            72MPH 10m gust measured at 7S Sawyer NDAWN.

&&

CSD

The office that day

Everything else NWS Bismarck, ND issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Jun 9, 4:17 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Mercer, Morton, Stark	58 min
Jun 9, 4:44 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	BIS	Divide, Williams	61 min
Jun 9, 4:55 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Mercer, Morton, Stark	35 min
Jun 9, 5:12 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	BIS	McLean, Mercer, Oliver	63 min
Jun 9, 5:14 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	BIS	Grant, Sioux	61 min
Jun 9, 5:31 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Stark	44 min
Jun 9, 5:45 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Divide, Williams	60 min
Jun 9, 5:55 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Dunn, McLean, Mercer, Mountrail	50 min
Jun 9, 6:12 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	BIS	McLean, Mercer, Mountrail, Ward	63 min
Jun 9, 6:14 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver	46 min
Jun 9, 6:24 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	BIS	Dunn, McLean, Mercer	36 min
Jun 9, 6:35 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Divide	48 min
Jun 9, 6:44 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Divide	53 min
Jun 9, 6:52 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	BIS	Bottineau, McHenry, McLean, Renville	53 min
Jun 9, 6:57 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BIS	Grant, Morton, Sioux	33 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in North Dakota, 2026 Every tornado warning in 2026 Tornadoes in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.