A warm front lifted across North Dakota while strong southerly surface flow increased temperatures and dew points over the region. As a surface trough tracked to the east, storms developed in eastern Montana and moved into western North Dakota during the evening.
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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 warm front lifted across North Dakota while strong southerly surface flow increased temperatures and dew points over the region. As a surface trough tracked to the east, storms developed in eastern Montana and moved into western North Dakota during the evening. Storms quickly formed a line as they continued moving east-northeast, with powerful wind gusts the primary hazard across western and portions of central North Dakota. A tornado occurred approximately 7 miles north-northeast of Belfield in Billings County. The track was less than one mile long and wind speeds were estimated up to 90 mph, leading to an EF-1 rating. Damaging wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph were common across the area as storms moved through. The most significant damage occurred in a neighborhood west of Williston. The Emergency Manager reported debris in a southwest to northeast orientation, consistent with straight line winds. Notable damage includes two homes with roofs uplifted and partially blown off. Other damage includes sheds, enclosed trailers, and campers damaged or destroyed. Some tree damage was also noted. Damage is consistent with wind speeds around 95 mph.
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 Jun 27, 2:14 PM MST, 2 hours 24 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Bismarck ND 414 PM CDT Sat Jun 27 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Numerous severe thunderstorms are possible through tonight. Expected hazards include damaging winds to 80 mph, along with a few tornadoes possible. Hail up to tennis ball sized is possible with any discrete storms that form. - Additional isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday through Monday. - Near to above normal temperatures are favored this weekend through the middle of next week, warming to well above normal heading into the Forth of July holiday weekend. && .UPDATE... Issued at 414 PM CDT Sat Jun 27 2026 Winds in the southcentral and southeast remain breezy, yet below Wind Advisory criteria. Abundant cloud cover should limit mixing for the rest of the afternoon. Thus will cancel the Wind Advisory. A Tornado Watch is now in effect for portions of western North Dakota From 4 PM CDT / 3 PM MDT to midnight CDT / 11 PM MDT. Destabilization is taking place across western ND with clearing skies. Cumulus clouds are starting to form, although billow clouds still showing signs of a stable PBL. In far southeastern MT, slightly more cu agitation is being noted, with some orphan anvils. Overall this western and especially southwestern area will be the area to monitor for the next few hours. Any discrete cells that form in this area will be capable of all hazards including tornadoes and large hail. The watch does reach to the Canadian border. The northwest has more of a conditional threat for supercells, although parameters for tornadogenesis are quite concerning. Overall a tornado threat is anticipated for the next few hours. Convection further into MT will be the next area to monitor as the wave producing this could lead to more linear convective threat this evening into tonight. The alternate is any discrete cells that form also go linear this evening. Overall an active severe weather even is expected and most will want to stay weather aware. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 122 PM CDT Sat Jun 27 2026 Wind Advisory remains for southcentral and southeastern portions through this afternoon. This is mainly for sustained winds around 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Isolated to scattered showers will linger through this afternoon. Highs today are forecast to warm into the upper 70s to upper 80s for most areas, although could be slightly lower than forecast to areas with abundant cloud cover. We continue to monitor for the threat of severe weather later this afternoon through tonight. SPC's latest update keeps the outlooks for severe weather similar to this morning, although there are some updates to the hazard threats. SPC has increased the tornado probabilities to 5 to 10 percent in the west with an Intensity Level 1 now in place. Meanwhile the hail and wind threats remain elevated, with the an Intensity Level 1 wind threat expanded across much of the west. Shear and instability remain abundant today through tonight. The concerns will be storm mode, some initial capping, and timing of the low. Latest CAMs predicting two scenarios. Scenario 1 sees the capping breaking down around mid to late afternoon, allowing a supercell threat to flourish in the west before storms quickly become linear. This scenario would be the most concerning as supercells would be in a favorable environment for tornadoes and large hail up to the size of tennis balls. Linear mode would take over in the evening with this scenario with winds in excess of 80 mph as the storms move from west to east. The second scenario has less supercell development late this afternoon and has storms going linear quicker this evening. There still would be a brief tornado and large hail threat, yet the bigger threat would be wind gusts of 80 mph or higher. Which scenario ends up playing out is still uncertain. 18z sounding at WFO Bis showing a stout cap in place currently. SPC Meso analysis page showing this cap lessoning in the Highway 85 corridor later this afternoon. Thus it'll come down to the timing of the wave in this area. Of note is some convection starting to develop with this wave in Montana. Will continue to monitor and all should prepare for the threat of severe weather through tonight as once the line of strong convection forms it will push eastward through the night. WPC also showing a Marginal to Slight Risk for excessive rainfall through tonight. There could be some lower clouds and fog tonight behind the mentioned thunderstorms especially in the west. Confidence was not high enough to include fog at this time. Today's upper wave moves east for Sunday, although the broad upper low will linger across the region. Some morning convection may linger, with enough elevated instability and shear around to make for an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm threat with hail and wind the main threat. An axis of instability then returns Sunday afternoon and evening mainly along Highway 83 and eastward. Ample shear will also be in place. Lift for thunderstorms will be the limiting factor for Sunday afternoon and evening as the upper low may be to far west or northward. However, given the general unsettled pattern chances for showers and thunderstorms will continue. SPC has maintained a Marginal to Slight Risk in these areas for severe weather wind large hail and winds the main threat. SPC has added a Intensity Level 1 for hail for Sunday in their afternoon update today. CSU-MLP does have some low tornado risk tomorrow, more so in eastern ND. LCLs may be a tough high for this threat. Otherwise look for breezy winds to continue for Sunday with high temperatures in the mid 70s to mid 80s. A secondary wave may rotate through Sunday night, perhaps bringing another round of elevated thunderstorms to the area. An isolated severe threat is possible with these nighttime storms given a strong shear, increasing low level jet, and modest instability. Lows Sunday night will be in the 50s west to 60s east. Broad upper low remains to our west for Monday, while a surface low kicks out of the southern Rockies and tracks north northeast through the region. The result will be continued unsettled weather with showers and thunderstorms likely. SPC has a broad Marginal risk across the area for isolated severe weather. Shear and instability will once again be high, although the timing of the strongest shear and instability remains uncertain. This is mainly dependent on the track of the surface low. Current forecast has this low tracking through earlier in the day Monday, which may limit the severe weather threat for our CWA and shift the afternoon and evening threat eastward. All hazards are possible for these eastern areas, although much the Marginal Risk is for a hail and wind threat. The early passage of a cold front could bring cooler temperatures Monday, with highs in the 70s west to 80s east. Precipitation chances are then more confined to the north Monday night, with lows in the 50s to lower 60s. Upper low and surface low look to become well stacked in southern Canada for Tuesday, bringing cooler and breezy to windy conditions to the state. Shower and thunderstorm chances will be limited and mainly in the north and southeast as a result. Lower instability will limit the severe weather threat, although some higher amounts of shear will remain. Upper low moves north mid week with a broad area of high pressure settling in across the eastern US. As a result unstable and warming southwest flow will be found starting mid week. Look for temperatures to start warming back into the 80s to lower 90s for most areas. Winds will generally be light with this pattern. CSU-MLP showing at least an isolated threat for severe weather each day with this pattern. Looking ahead to the 4th of July Holiday weekend, clusters indicate a secondary building of the mentioned broad ridge could move into the area. Where clusters differ is how far east a Pacific Northwest trough moves into the interior US. Further eastward will bring more unsettled southwest flow to the region, while further westward brings more ridging and less chances for precipitation. Either way the forecast will maintain slight to chance PoPs for afternoon and evening thunderstorms each day. CSU-MLP also showing at least an isolated threat for severe weather as well through the weekend. There remains moderate to high confidence in above normal temperatures for the Holiday Weekend with highs currently forecast in the 80s and 90s. NBM temperature spreads start getting slightly more broad during the holiday weekend, although even the 25th percentile is right around normal for this time of year. Heat Risk products showing at least moderate heat impacts possible and will be worth monitoring closer to next weekend. && .AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/... Issued at 122 PM CDT Sat Jun 27 2026 A period of active weather could bring MVFR to brief IFR conditions at times. Rest of today, isolated to scattered showers will be found along with lingering low clouds. Look for MVFR to low VFR conditions as a result. Breezy to windy southeast winds are also expected today. This evening through tonight, showers and thunderstorms will move from west to east with strong to severe storms likely. This will bring MVFR to perhaps brief IFR conditions as these showers move through. Confidence in timing of these storms is still moderate thus used a mix of prevailing and PROB30 groups for storms through tonight. Behind these showers and thunderstorms will be some lower clouds. MVFR to perhaps IFR ceilings are forecast as a result. Low clouds yet mainly dry conditions are then forecast for Sunday morning. A breezy southerly wind may linger across the east tonight into Sunday morning. && .BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory until 7 PM CDT /6 PM MDT/ this evening for NDZ022-023-025-035>037-042-046>048-050-051-060>062. && UPDATE...Anglin DISCUSSION...Anglin AVIATION...Anglin
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Bismarck ND 340 PM CDT Sat Jun 27 2026 NDZ001>005-009-010-012-013-017>020-022-023-025-031>033-035>037- 040>044-046>048-050-051-055>062-282045- Divide-Burke-Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Williams-Mountrail- McHenry-Pierce-McKenzie-Dunn-Mercer-Oliver-Sheridan-Wells-Foster- Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Slope- Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-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- 340 PM CDT Sat Jun 27 2026 /240 PM MDT Sat Jun 27 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...This Afternoon and Tonight Numerous severe thunderstorms are possible through tonight. Expected hazards include damaging winds to 80 mph, along with a few tornadoes possible. Hail up to tennis ball sized is possible with any discrete storms that form. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday through Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are asked to provide reports to the NWS using standard procedures, including through our social media accounts.
The Bismarck radar (KBIS), 220 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:37 UTC.
31 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Personal weather station reported wind gusts up to 59 mph.
Deputy reported wind gusts estimated at 70 MPH.
Deputy reported wind gusts up to 60 MPH.
Deputy reported wind gusts up to 61 mph.
Bowman NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 82 mph.
Personal weather station reported wind gusts up to 62 mph.
A storm chaser submitted a video of a tornado that occurred north of Belfield. The Billings County Emergency Manager relayed damage that occurred. The property owner reported multiple large spruce trees knocked over and uprooted laying in different directions. There was also damage to apple and olive trees on this property. There was some minor roof damage and broken windows to the house and detached garage. Based on the damage done this tornado was rated EF-1, and from that wind speeds were estimated to be around 90 mph.
Bowman Airport AWOS reported wind gusts up to 69 mph.
Amidon NDAWN station reported wind gusts up to 68 mph.
Sentinel Butte NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 68 mph.
Mosher NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 78 mph.
Medora mesonet station reported wind gusts up to 59 mph.
Mosher NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 86 mph.
Dickinson Airport ASOS reported wind gusts up to 68 mph.
Manning NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 80 mph.
Sand Creek mesonet station reported wind gusts up to 65 mph.
Charbonneau NDAWN station reported wind gusts up to 63 mph.
Buford NDAWN station reported wind gusts up to 67 mph.
Significant storm damage caused by powerful thunderstorm wind gusts across nearly a mile in a neighborhood west of Williston. Emergency manager reported debris in a southwest to northeast orientation, consistent with straight line winds. Notable damage includes two homes with roofs uplifted and partially blown off. One roof blown 100 yards away. Other damage includes sheds, enclosed trailers, and campers damaged or destroyed. Some tree damage also noted. Damage is consistent with winds around 95 mph.
Pioneer NDAWN station reported wind gusts up to 72 mph.
Personal weather station reported wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Williston Airport ASOS reported wind gusts up to 69 mph.
Emergency manager reported damage from strong wind gusts in Williston. Power lines are down in the city and there was damage to the top of a tall car dealership sign.
Personal weather station reported wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Personal weather station reported wind gusts up to 65 mph.
Grenora NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 67 mph.
Rat Lake NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 62 mph.
Fortuna NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 79 mph.
New Salem NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 61 mph.
Personal weather station reported wind gusts up to 83 mph.
Pickardville NDAWN reported wind gusts up to 70 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Dakota in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for North Dakota, 2026Warnings in North Dakota, June 2026
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: 1348820, 1348821, 1348822, 1348823, 1348824, 1348825, 1348826, 1357772, 1348827, 1348828, 1348829, 1348830, 1348831, 1348832, 1348833, 1348834, 1348836, 1348837, 1348838, 1348840, 1348842, 1348843, 1348846, 1348847, 1348848, 1348849, 1348851, 1348852, 1348853, 1348854, 1348855, 1348856, 1348858.