5-year Anniversary of June 17, 2010 Tornado Outbreak

Event Summary

Mid to late June climatologically is the peak season for strong tornadoes across the northern plains. One of the most significant tornado outbreaks to impact our region occurred 5 years ago on June 17, 2010. A total of around 70 tornadoes occurred over North Dakota and Minnesota that day, including 4 violent EF-4 tornadoes. The images below show the tornado tracks across the region and locally for the day.

June 17 tracks June 17 tracks zoom

Radar

Atmospheric conditions were quite favorable for rotating supercell thunderstorms, with distinct clusters of tornadic supercells lifting north and east over the region.

Below is a radar animation as thunderstorms developed.

radar loop

The below images from 4:29 pm CDT show two intense supercell thunderstorms across Otter Tail and Wadena Counties. These storms spawned violent EF-4 rated tornadoes that impacted the Almora-Bluffton and Wadena areas. A third EF-4 rated tornado occurred farther west across parts of Traill and Grand Forks Counties.

radar at 4:29 pm Velocity at 4:29 pm

Photos

Almora damage tornado damage

Above: Damage across Otter Tail and Wadena Counties.