Rare atmospheric setup creates perfect conditions for storm formation amid wettest September in decades
The yearly tornado record in North Dakota was shattered in just a few hours as the state experienced an extraordinary weather event. More than 20 tornadoes tore through South Dakota and North Dakota, with the storm system stretching across a 200-mile area, according to the National Weather Service.
Since 1995, the annual average for the state was 29 tornadoes, with the peak season occurring in June and July. However, last weekend’s intense outbreak pushed the total to a staggering 73, surpassing the previous record of 61, set in 1999.
The tornadoes first touched down in Mobridge, South Dakota, where they caused significant damage, flipping vehicles and downing power lines. Meanwhile, the North Dakota capital, Bismarck, received heavy rainfall from the same storm system, with more than 50mm in less than an hour.
Streets were flooded and vehicles stranded as the city experienced its wettest September in 31 years. With 61.9mm of rainfall, September’s totals far exceeded the monthly average of 43.7mm.
