WAHPETON, N.D. (KFGO) – Richland County Communications received a report yesterday at 7:19 P.M. of a tornado touchdown near Walcott, ND, Richland County, and confirmed by a weather spotter. The National Weather Service also sent out emergency alerts.
Emergency alerts went out to regional law enforcement, fire departments, and first responders to get additional weather spotters out. As those agencies deployed, additional reports of up to 4-6 funnel clouds were spotted as the storm moved east and south over the Barney, Dwight, and Mooreton areas. Sirens were activated in those areas, as well as Wahpeton, ND to alert the residents as funnel touchdowns were observed near Richland County roads #8 and #3, near Barney, ND. Law enforcement from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the Wahpeton Police Department kept updates on funnel cloud sightings and movement of the storm cell. Campsites in the city of Wahpeton were alerted to seek shelter in solid structures, and participants in the Chalkfest events and 5k Run/Walk were also alerted and advised to seek shelter.
No damage was reported other than possible trees uprooted in farmland, and the tornado warning expired shortly after 8pm, and the all clear was determined locally at 8:27 pm.
Agencies involved: Walcott First Responders, Colfax Fire Department, Abercrombie Fire Department, Dwight Fire Department, Mooreton Fire Department, Barney Fire Department, Hankinson Fire Department, Fairmount Fire Department, Wahpeton Fire Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Wahpeton Police Department, Richland County Emergency Management Office.