State history
Tornadoes in North Dakota
North Dakota averages 25 tornadoes per year. Here is the complete history.
The stats
- Average: 25 tornadoes/year.
- Peak season: June-July.
- Regional patterns.
- Community awareness.
- Skywarn active.
Notable events
- 1957 Fargo F5 — 12 dead.
- 1980 outbreak events — multiple.
- 2000 outbreak events — multiple.
- 2010s events — ongoing activity.
Major cities
Fargo
130k. Historic 1957 event.
Bismarck
75k. Capital.
Grand Forks
60k.
Minot
45k.
West Fargo
38k.
Williston
30k. Bakken area.
NWS coverage
NWS Bismarck
Central ND.
NWS Grand Forks
Eastern ND.
Chase community
- Regional chasers active.
- Multi-state coordination.
- Documentation of events.
- Public safety focus.
- Skywarn integration.
Preparedness
- Weather radio.
- WEA enabled.
- Family communication plan.
- Community shelter awareness.
- Storm shelter installation.
- Insurance current.
- Regular drills.
- Emergency contact list.
Vulnerabilities
- Population distribution.
- Building code enforcement.
- Mobile home density in specific areas.
- Community shelter access.
- Rural coverage gaps.
- Historical vulnerabilities.
For residents
- Preparedness essential.
- Local NWS office familiarity.
- Community engagement.
- Multi-hazard awareness.
- Family plan.
- Insurance verification.
- Ongoing education.