North Dakota Storm Victims Get Some Good News After June’s Severe Weather

North Dakota communities hit hard by severe storms earlier this summer are getting some help with the recovery bill.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong says President Donald Trump has approved North Dakota's request for a presidential major disaster declaration following severe storms that moved through the state June 7 through June 9.

The storms caused millions of dollars in damage, knocked out power to more than 25,000 people, toppled trees and damaged utility infrastructure, homes and other private property.

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A Rough Couple of Days

The first round of storms on June 7 produced a derecho like wind event, with straight-line winds estimated between 80 and 100 mph.

Then, on June 9, another round of severe weather moved through the state. That system included supercell thunderstorms that produced tornadoes, baseball sized hail and damaging winds.

Armstrong declared a state disaster on June 30 as communities continued dealing with the aftermath.

Now, the federal disaster declaration will make FEMA public assistance available to help cover eligible costs associated with repairing and replacing damaged public infrastructure.

Armstrong thanked the president for approving the request, saying the declaration will help communities and utilities deal with the considerable costs of recovering from the storms.

The approved disaster costs total approximately $3.4 million.

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For communities that spent days cleaning up trees, repairing infrastructure, and dealing with storm damage, federal assistance could provide some welcome relief.

Severe weather is certainly nothing new in North Dakota, but the storms in June offered another reminder of just how quickly conditions can change.

One minute, it's a typical summer day. Then communities are dealing with powerful winds, hail, tornadoes, and widespread power outages.

Now, as recovery continues, the state and affected communities will have federal assistance available to help with the work still ahead.