Latest news with #CassCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Governor pledges state support for storm victims while touring eastern North Dakota damage
Gov. Kelly Armstrong, left, talks to Tyler Pfaff while surveying what is left of his family's rural Enderlin home on June 25, 2025. (Photo provided by governor's office) ENDERLIN – North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong praised the cleanup efforts of communities struck by last week's storms while promising the state would provide resources to help them rebuild. He toured the communities of Enderlin, Page and Hunter on Wednesday, hearing about recovery efforts from community leaders, first responders and victims. 'There's a long road ahead,' Armstrong said. 'But a lot of work has already been done. I'm amazed at how quickly North Dakotans help their neighbors. The North Dakota Community Foundation has set up a storm relief fund. Financial donations will be provided to impacted communities and homeowners to assist with disaster recovery and unmet needs. Armstrong declared a statewide disaster Saturday and activated the State Emergency Operations Plan after multiple tornadoes, strong winds and hail caused widespread damage across the state Friday. The storm also claimed four lives. The latest confirmed is a 76-year-old man in the Courtenay area who was found dead on Saturday, according to Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jessica Moser. The man used a breathing apparatus and his home was among those that lost power, Moser said. His name was not immediately released. Three people died in the Enderlin tornado, Michael Dehn, 73, Katherine Pfaff-Dehn, 73, and Marcario Lucio, 89, according to the Cass County Sheriff's Office. After seeing the damage, Armstrong said it was miraculous there weren't more deaths and injuries. One home he toured belonged to Tyler and Brooke Pfaff of rural Enderlin. Originally built into a hillside, all that remained were some rock walls and shattered windows. The couple huddled in an interior bathroom when the tornado struck. 'It's a total loss, but thank God we're alive,' Tyler Pfaff said as he looked over what used to be his living room, now filled with debris and shredded insulation. 'I'm not sure where we go from here.' Over the past few days, neighbors and other volunteers had cleaned up snapped trees on the property and recovered personal items. 'I'm overwhelmed,' Pfaff said. 'People were here right away.' Armstrong said neighborly kindness is a tremendous resource in times of disaster. 'Nothing replaces our capacity to care for each other,' he said. Enderlin Sheldon Fire Department Chief Jon Anderson said around 10 homes were destroyed or severely damaged in the storm's path. Much of the damage caused by storms will be covered by private insurance, but it could take a while to assess the claims, Armstrong said. One way the state may help is by offering grants or loans so individuals and communities can begin to rebuild immediately instead of waiting, he said. The Industrial Commission meets Thursday morning and resources for storm relief will be a dominant topic, Armstrong said. In addition, Armstrong said he will ask for federal assistance, though the timing for making that request is uncertain. 'Our job is to help these communities get back on their feet,' he said. In Page, one home was destroyed, according to Mayor Jim Heidorn. Other homes sustained damage to roofs, windows and trees. Outside of the city limits, many farms also lost grain storage. Stephen and Scott Thompson, twin brothers who farm near Page, were cleaning the farm site with their families when Armstrong arrived to survey the damage. They lost grain bins that hold 450,000 bushels of corn. In addition, they couldn't access bins holding about 100,000 bushels of grain because of the damage. Stephen Thompson and his family were home when a series of storms hit overnight Friday. The third wave of wind hit them hardest, Thompson said. 'We ran into our (walk-out) basement and saw a 40-foot tree fall on our patio,' he said. For 45 minutes, the house shook from the wind. Scott Thompson said it would take at least five years to rebuild, but there was no question the family would. A 100-year-old barn sustained damage in the storms and was leaning. 'We've straightened that more than once,' said Stephen Thompson. 'And we'll straighten it again. We've already tried today.' Luke Erickson is part owner of EEE, which designs and builds grain storage in the region. He accompanied Armstrong on part of the tour around Page. Many of the farms affected were his customers, friends or family. 'It's tough to fathom the damage,' he said. Grain bins could be replaced before harvest, but orders would need to be put in immediately, he said. Jim Kaiser, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service of Grand Forks, said there were 13 confirmed tornadoes in North Dakota Friday and Saturday. Six of those are rated with the highest at an EF3; the others are still being investigated. In addition to the tornadoes, the storms brought sustained winds and wind gusts of up to 100 mph, Kaiser said. 'That's why you see so much damage,' he said. 'That's why we call it a 'generational storm.'' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Will US see ‘ring of fire' amid tornado, derecho, thunderstorms in Minnesota and Dakotas? Here's what we know
US forecasters have warned that the storm system is moving eastward over areas of the Midwest and Northeast, and that at least three people have died in North Dakota during a bout of extreme weather that included several tornado sightings. US forecasters report a deadly storm system moving east, with three fatalities in North Dakota. Strong winds and tornadoes have caused significant damage.(X@HustleBitch_) According to the Cass County Sheriff's Office, the three were killed on June 20 in rural Enderlin, North Dakota, which is located in the state's southeast. Around 11:40 pm, deputies arrivedto a residence after they receivedreports of tornado damage. They fie department told them that thestorm chasers haveinformed them that they have foundtwo bodies. According to the sheriff's office, a third victimwas found deadat another site. On June 20, strong storms with high winds, hail, and many suspected tornadoes blasted over portions of Minnesota and the Dakotas. A wind gust of 101 mph was reported at the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network station northwest of Linton, as per the Bismarck, North Dakota, National Weather Service. Initial reports submitted to the Storm Prediction Center indicated that hail measuring more than 3.5 inches in diameter and tornadoes damaged houses. Strong winds reportedly damaged power lines and trees. On the morning of June 21, USA TODAY's power outage tracker reported that over 75,000 individuals in North Dakota and Minnesota were without power. Also Read: Did American B-2 stealth bombers just take off from US base towards western Pacific amid Israel-Iran fallout? Severe weatherexpected to travel east over the weekend According to the National Weather Service, the same storm system that began in North Dakota is predicted to proceed eastward across the Great Lakes area throughout the day on June 21 and enter New York and New England at night. The storms may bring hail, powerful wind gusts, and isolated flash floods. Will extreme US weather cause ring of fire? The storms occur as the meteorological service warns of a 'significant and extremely dangerous heat wave' that will continue into next week throughout parts of the country. Clusters of thunderstorms that are predicted to develop on the hot air dome's perimeter will provide a 'ring of fire' effect, AccuWeather reported, adding thatthunderstorms typically occur on a heat dome's margins since high pressure is lowest there. A derecho, a destructive wind event that stretches hundreds of miles, might develop from the storm system, as perAccuWeather. Derecho is also known as'inland hurricane.' Dangerous heat across US Meanwhile, over150 million Americans were in the midst of hazardous heat advisories or warnings in much of the country's eastern half. The meteorological agency predicts that on June 21, temperatures in portions of more than two dozen states will reach or surpass 90 degrees. In certain areas of Kansas, Nebraska, and southern Minnesota, triple digits are anticipated. Significant East Coast cities, such as New York and Washington, D.C., are predicted to experience temperatures above 90 degrees for five to seven days in a row as the heat wave continues eastward for many days.
Newsweek
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Three Killed in North Dakota Tornado Outbreak
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Three people died late Friday in rural Enderlin, North Dakota, after severe storms spawned tornadoes that devastated the area. According to a Saturday statement on Facebook from the Cass County Sheriff's Office, storm chasers discovered two deceased individuals at one location while first responders found a third victim at another site. The tornado outbreak left a trail of destruction in eastern North Dakota and across the Northern Plains, damaging homes, downing power lines, and cutting electricity to tens of thousands of residents. Law enforcement, fire, and emergency crews worked overnight conducting wellbeing checks and search operations, according to the sheriff's office. Why It Matters This deadly severe weather event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of storms affecting the central United States. The tornadoes and associated winds exceeding 100 miles per hour left thousands without power in North Dakota and Minnesota, disrupting critical services and prompting urgent safety warnings. As the same storm system moved east, forecasters warned of continuing hazards for millions of Americans already coping with a dangerous heatwave, USA Today reported. The disaster serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, timely public alerts, and coordinated emergency response efforts. Authorities and utility companies face significant challenges in restoring infrastructure and aiding affected populations. What To Know Deputies from the Cass County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about tornado damage at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Friday in rural Enderlin, which is about an hour outside of Fargo and the Minnesota state line. Upon arrival, the Enderlin Fire Department informed deputies that storm chasers had located two deceased individuals, with the third victim found by firefighters at a separate location soon after. Sheriff Jesse Jahner confirmed the victims were two men and one woman, The Bismarck Tribune reported. Their identities have not yet been released. The severe thunderstorms and tornadoes caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in several parts of eastern North Dakota, including Urbana, Eckelson, and Buchanan. Winds exceeding 100 mph—such as a 101-mph gust near Linton and 111 mph gust recorded in Luverne—were reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) and private weather stations. High winds continue within the red area. THESE ARE LONG DURATION WINDS, lasting over an hour. Gusts have been recorded of up to 100 MPH. Power outages, tree damage, and outbuilding damage are possible. Remain weather aware. #NDwx #MNwx — NWS Grand Forks (@NWSGrandForks) June 21, 2025 The storms also produced large hail, measured over 3.5 inches in diameter, and led to flash flooding, particularly in Fargo and Bemidji, according to local reports. As of Saturday morning, approximately 30,000 North Dakota residents and 57,000 in Minnesota were without power at the peak of outages, according to utility companies and official trackers. Meteorologists attributed the outbreak to a persistent heat dome over the southwestern U.S., which created conditions for destructive thunderstorms across the Northern Plains, Midwest, Northeast, and beyond. Forecasters warned that the ongoing storm system was advancing eastward, with the potential to generate more tornadoes, flash floods, and possibly a derecho event—a long-lived, damaging windstorm—over the next 48 hours, USA Today reported. The extreme weather coincided with a dangerous heatwave affecting more than 150 million Americans, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees or higher across parts of over two dozen states. In this stock photo, a tornado is seen in York, Nebraska, on June 20, 2011. In this stock photo, a tornado is seen in York, Nebraska, on June 20, 2011. Getty What People Are Saying NWS Grand Forks wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday morning: "High winds continue within the red area. THESE ARE LONG DURATION WINDS, lasting over an hour. Gusts have been recorded of up to 100 MPH. Power outages, tree damage, and outbuilding damage are possible. Remain weather aware." North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread in a statement on Saturday: "While North Dakota is no stranger to summer weather, the scale and intensity of last night's storm were especially significant. Our hearts also go out to those who lost their lives during this terrible storm. If your home, farm, vehicle, or business sustained damage, the most important thing you can do right now is to act quickly, document everything, and protect your property from further harm." What Happens Next? Disaster recovery information for North Dakota residents is available at and by contacting the Insurance Department at 701-328-2440. Authorities plan to continue welfare checks and damage assessments throughout the affected region, while utility teams work to restore power. The NWS and emergency agencies have urged residents to monitor forecasts as the storm system proceeds eastward, with hazardous weather expected in additional states over the next several days.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Deadly severe weather outbreak heading east could cause 'ring of fire'
Forecasters warn the storm system is making its way eastward. Thunderstorms expected on the edges of a dome of hot air will have a "ring of fire" effect, according to AccuWeather. At least three people are dead in North Dakota after a round of severe weather that included multiple tornado reports, as forecasters warn the storm system is making its way eastward across parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The three people were killed on June 20 in rural Enderlin, North Dakota, in the southeastern part of the state, according the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to reports of tornado damage at a home there at about 11:40 p.m., and when they arrived, the fire department told them that storm chasers had located two of the victims. A third person was found dead at another location, the sheriff's office said. The severe storms swept through parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota on June 20, with high winds, hail and multiple reported tornadoes. The National Weather Service in Bismarck, North Dakota, said a wind gust of 101 mph was recorded at the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network station northwest of Linton. Tornadoes caused damage to homes and hail was measured at over 3.5 inches in diameter, preliminary reports to the Storm Prediction Center said. Wind gusts downed trees and power lines, the reports said. More than 75,000 people were without power across North Dakota and Minnesota the morning of June 21, according to USA TODAY's power outage tracker. Severe weather to move east over the weekend The same complex of storms that originated in North Dakota is expected to move eastward through the Great Lakes region during the day on June 21 and into New York and New England by night, the National Weather Service said. The storms could bring localized flash flooding, strong wind gusts and hail. The storms come as much of the nation is undergoing a "significant and extremely dangerous heat wave" into next week, according to the weather service. Groups of thunderstorms expected to form on the edges of the dome of hot air will have a "ring of fire" effect, according to AccuWeather. Thunderstorms tend to erupt on the edges of a heat dome because high pressure is weakest in these areas, the outlet reported. The storm system could evolve into a derecho, a damaging wind event that spans hundreds of miles, AccuWeather reported. A derecho is also known as an "inland hurricane." Heat bakes eastern half of US Meanwhile, more than 150 million Americans were under some kind of advisory or warning for dangerous heat across much of the eastern half of the country. HEAT WAVE: Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe. Temperatures on June 21 are expected to meet or exceed 90 degrees in parts of over two dozen states, according to the weather service. Triple digits are expected in parts of Kansas, Nebraska and southwestern Minnesota. The heat wave is expected to last several days and extend eastward, with major cities along the East Coast including New York and Washington, D.C., expected to top 90 for five to seven consecutive days.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Monticello woman flown to Fort Wayne hospital after Cass County collision
Deputies from the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Fire District 1 and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched Tuesday morning after Central Dispatch was notified of a two-vehicle crash around 7:32 a.m. During their initial assessment at the intersection of County Roads 825 West and 250 North, the officers found an eastbound minivan struck a northbound SUV. The intersection was restricted for investigation and vehicle removal for roughly an hour. According to a press release from the Sheriff's Department, Deputy Caine Padgett's preliminary investigation found 55-year-old Helen Hayes of Monticello had been driving a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country and failed to yield the right of way to a 2019 Jeep Cherokee driven by 28-year-old Anna Chapel of rural Logansport. There were two children in the Jeep, a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old, who were properly restrained in child seats. The children, along with Chapel, received non-life-threatening injuries and were transported by Cass County Emergency Medical Services to Logansport Memorial Hospital. Hayes, however, sustained serious injuries and was flown to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne via a medical helicopter. Neither alcohol nor narcotics are believed to be a factor in the crash. The Cass County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the crash. The department has asked for anyone with additional information to contact its office at 574-753-7800.
