A low pressure system lifted through the central Dakotas and deepened as it slid northward over the Saskatchewan and Manitoba border. This created a strong pressure gradient over western and central North Dakota, which led to strong winds developing.
Every event with a place to put it; 32 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BIS wrote it up.
A low pressure system lifted through the central Dakotas and deepened as it slid northward over the Saskatchewan and Manitoba border. This created a strong pressure gradient over western and central North Dakota, which led to strong winds developing. The strongest wind gusts of 64 mph were reported at the Dickinson and Jamestown airports.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at May 12, 9:51 PM CST, 9 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Bismarck ND 1051 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 .UPDATE... Issued at 1050 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 Quick update to reduce thunder chances given current trends and add a patchy fog mention to the observed and forecast center of low pressure. UPDATE Issued at 844 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 Given strong support in model forecast soundings for peak winds in the mixed-layer on the order of 50-55 kt late tonight and Friday on the southern flank of the surface low that will be in southern Canada by Friday, we have upgraded to a High Wind Warning for the whole area. This scenario also has strong ensemble-based support via the ECMWF ensemble EFI, especially across central ND. The only negative to high winds could be some broad low-level ascent over parts of the area, but the low-level height field and related strength of winds in the boundary layer will likely compensate for that. Otherwise, the line of convection that entered the James River valley appeared to become elevated relatively quickly, and DCAPE per more contemporary RAP-based objective analyses was lower than earlier guidance suggested. The combination likely precluded more intense surface winds in our area despite strong velocities noted from the Aberdeen WSR-88D. Moreover, despite northward advection of a more PBL-based buoyant axis into south central ND thanks to the ongoing movement of the surface low into southern ND, we believe the risk of severe storms is rapidly diminishing as the convection near Jamestown as of 0130 UTC is outpacing the northward advance of that air mass. Moreover, guidance also suggests that axis of larger MLCAPE will remain capped. Thus, in collaboration with SPC, we have cancelled the Tornado Watch for the James River valley with this update. UPDATE Issued at 606 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 Extrapolating forward motion of the well-organized, intense, and long-lived line of storms in northeastern SD as of 23 UTC takes it across southeastern ND through about 03 UTC. Low-level static stability increases with northward extent, especially toward the I-94 corridor, but strong low-level mass-field responses suggest a higher than normal uncertainty in PBL-based thermodynamic fields in model guidance and objective mesoscale analysis data. This does yield some uncertainty to tornado risk with northward extent, but intense low-level shear and the non-zero risk for PBL-based CIN to be minimized over the James River valley means the threat of tornadoes certainly exists. Moreover, even if convection tends toward a more elevated state, DCAPE around 1000 J/kg and intense 0-3-km bulk shear on the order of 40+ kt will continue the risk of severe winds into ND. Further northwest across central ND, storms are elevated at a much higher altitude owing to cooling aloft and a deepening moist layer since our 19 UTC special sounding, but strong shear and modest MUCAPE support a continued large hail risk with the more intense updrafts. Otherwise, for this update we have only blended to observed trends into the evening. We are maintaining the high wind headlines as-is at this point, though signals are increasingly suggestive that the remainder of the High Wind Watch will need to be upgraded to a warning at some point this evening. && .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Friday) Issued at 224 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 Current surface analysis places low lifting through south central South Dakota, with warm front stretching to the east. Upper level analysis places negatively tilted trough over the western CONUS, with the base attempting to close off over Colorado. Strong south to southwesterly flow remains over our area. Over our neck of the woods, showers with a few embedded thunderstorms have been on the increase over the past few hours in response to the approaching systems. With plenty of low level moisture in place, a lingering area of fog has developed over southwest North Dakota. With all that said, the main show lies ahead. For the rest of this afternoon into tonight, low and warm front continue their northerly lift. Robust convection is expected to develop over north central into eastern South Dakota, possibly into far south central and southeast North Dakota late this afternoon into the early evening. This area has continued to show very strong deep layer shear (well in excess of 50 kts), elevated low level shear, and strong instability in excess of 2.5 kJ/kg. As mentioned for the past few days, all sorts of severe weather remain in play (large hail, wind, a few tornadoes). As for the heavy rain threat, the storms may have heavy rainfall rates, but the good news is that the storms should be quick moving, and not loitering over an area too long. For our area, focus for the greatest chances for severe weather remain over the southern James River Valley, with lesser chances over south central North Dakota into the upper James River Valley. As we go through the evening into the overnight, winds will be on the increase as the low gradually lifts north the area and deepens, starting to stack up with the upper features. Tight pressure gradient develops with winds becoming strong, starting in the southwest and spreading northeast overnight. Feeling quite confident in strong winds over the southwest, and marginally confident elsewhere. Therefore, have issued a warning southwest, watch elsewhere. On Friday, winds continue through they day, tapering off on the evening. With the cyclonic flow in places, expect a few showers to develop, which will taper off in the evening/overnight. .LONG TERM...(Saturday through Thursday) Issued at 224 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 Quiet weather though occasionally windy expected through the weekend into the beginning of the work week. Active weather pattern shows up towards mid-week bringing returning rain shower chances. && .AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Friday evening) Issued at 844 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 Widespread IFR to LIFR conditions are expected tonight over most of western and central ND along with widespread showers and storms as a strong low pressure system impacts the region. Ceilings will gradually improve from south to north Friday, but MVFR conditions will likely persist in western and north central ND through Friday daytime. East-northeast winds this evening will gradually shift to the west late tonight and Friday morning, with west winds gusting from 40 to 50 kt area-wide late tonight and Friday. && .BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... High Wind Warning from 4 AM CDT /3 AM MDT/ to 8 PM CDT /7 PM MDT/ Friday for NDZ001-002-009-010-017>023-025-031>037-042- 045>048-050-051. High Wind Warning from 10 AM to 8 PM CDT Friday for NDZ003>005- 011>013. High Wind Warning until 7 PM MDT Friday for NDZ040-041-043-044. && UPDATE...Hollan SHORT TERM...JJS LONG TERM...JJS AVIATION...CJS
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Bismarck ND 852 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 NDZ001>005-009>013-017>023-025-031>037-042-045>048-050-051-140200- Divide-Burke-Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Williams-Mountrail-Ward- McHenry-Pierce-McKenzie-Dunn-Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Sheridan-Wells- Foster-Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Morton-Burleigh-Kidder- Stutsman-Grant-Sioux-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey- 852 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 /752 PM MDT Thu May 12 2022/ 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 There is a chance of thunderstorms tonight. Severe weather is no longer expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday A High Wind Warning is in effect early Friday morning through Friday evening. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. NDZ040-041-043-044-140200- Slope-Hettinger-Bowman-Adams- 752 PM MDT Thu May 12 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest North Dakota. .DAY ONE...Tonight A High Wind Warning is in effect tonight through Friday evening. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. There is a chance of thunderstorms tonight. Severe weather is not expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday A High Wind Warning is in effect through Friday evening. See www.weather.gov/bis for details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. Hollan
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BISMARCK ND
620 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0515 PM HAIL 2 W HAZEN 47.30N 101.67W
05/12/2022 E1.00 INCH MERCER ND MESONET
PHOTO OF PENNY TO QUARTER SIZE HAIL AT HAZEN
2W NDAWN MESONET.
&&
JOHNSONSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
627 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
NDZ011-012-130000-
McHenry ND-Ward ND-
627 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN WARD
AND WEST CENTRAL MCHENRY COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM CDT...
At 627 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 10 miles southwest
of Sawyer, or 17 miles south of Minot, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts to 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Sawyer around 640 PM CDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Surrey, Granville
and Deering.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4831 10074 4785 10104 4785 10163 4810 10150
4846 10126 4846 10118
TIME...MOT...LOC 2327Z 205DEG 42KT 4798 10120
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ANGLINSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
633 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
NDZ036-037-047-130000-
Kidder ND-Logan ND-Stutsman ND-
633 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN KIDDER,
EASTERN LOGAN AND SOUTHWESTERN STUTSMAN COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM
CDT...
At 632 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 9 miles south of
Streeter, or 20 miles east of Napoleon, moving north at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Streeter around 645 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for southeastern
North Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4633 9922 4637 9952 4686 9954 4686 9904
TIME...MOT...LOC 2332Z 185DEG 45KT 4651 9934
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
SMITHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
657 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
NDZ011-012-130030-
McHenry ND-Ward ND-
657 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL WARD
AND WEST CENTRAL MCHENRY COUNTIES THROUGH 730 PM CDT...
At 657 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Sawyer, or 13
miles southeast of Minot, moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts to 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Surrey around 710 PM CDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Granville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4840 10067 4795 10098 4802 10114 4814 10134
4846 10108 4846 10106 4849 10106 4850 10105
TIME...MOT...LOC 2357Z 209DEG 21KT 4813 10104
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ANGLINPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BISMARCK ND
715 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0700 PM HAIL LUDDEN 46.01N 98.13W
05/12/2022 M0.88 INCH DICKEY ND EMERGENCY MNGR
DIME TO NICKEL SIZE HAIL REPORTED IN LUDDEN.
&&
JOHNSONSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
735 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
NDZ036-046-047-050-130100-
Kidder ND-Logan ND-McIntosh ND-Emmons ND-
735 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN KIDDER,
WESTERN LOGAN, NORTHWESTERN MCINTOSH AND NORTHEASTERN EMMONS COUNTIES
THROUGH 800 PM CDT...
At 735 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 12 miles west of
Wishek, or 13 miles south of Napoleon, moving north at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Napoleon around 750 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for southeastern
North Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4607 9954 4604 9995 4668 9998 4667 9949
TIME...MOT...LOC 0035Z 185DEG 45KT 4632 9980
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
SMITHThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
36 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Bowman AWOS reported wind gusts to 62 mph.
Hettinger ASOS reported wind gusts to 59 mph.
Slope County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
Hettinger County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
Dickinson ASOS reported wind gusts to 64 mph.
Bismarck ASOS reported wind gusts to 62 mph.
Jamestown ASOS reported wind gusts to 64 mph.
Ray NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 58 mph.
Crosby RAWS reported wind gusts to 60 mph.
Blaisdell NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 62 mph.
Golden Valley NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 58 mph.
Denhoff NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 60 mph.
Harvey AWOS reported wind gusts to 60 mph.
Glen Ullin AWOS reported wind gusts to 59 mph.
New Leipzig NDDOT site reported wind gusts to 63 mph.
Tatanka Prairie RAWS reported wind gusts to 63 mph.
Beach AWOS reported a sustained wind of 40 mph.
Wishek NDDOT site reported a sustained wind of 40 mph.
McKenzie County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Billings County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Dunn County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
McLean County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Foster County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Kidder County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Oliver County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Emmons County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Logan County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
LaMoure County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Dickey County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Burke County had estimated gusts to 60 mph.
Minot ASOS reported wind gusts to 64 mph.
Rolla AWOS reported wind gusts to 61 mph.
Renville County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
Bottineau County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
McHenry County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
Pierce County had estimated wind gusts to 60 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Dakota in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in North Dakota, May 2022
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1019346, 1019347, 1019356, 1019357, 1019332, 1019333, 1019334, 1019336, 1019337, 1019339, 1019340, 1019341, 1019342, 1019344, 1019345, 1019348, 1019349, 1019350, 1019358, 1019360, 1019362, 1019363, 1019364, 1019365, 1019366, 1019368, 1019370, 1019371, 1019376, 1019380, 1019331, 1019338, 1019351, 1019352, 1019354, 1019355.