Burgum declares summer storm disaster in central North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum issued an

executive order Wednesday, July 31

declaring a summer storm disaster in central North Dakota following severe weather that caused significant flood-related damages to the region.

The declaration comes in response to greater-than-average precipitation levels recorded in June and July, leading to extensive damage to gravel and paved roadways.

From June 2 to July 17, the National Weather Service reported rainfall totals ranging from 6 to 9 inches across central North Dakota.

Severe weather characterized by torrential rain, localized hail and straight-line winds has resulted in damages exceeding $30 million at 13 different sites.

This declaration allows the North Dakota Department of Transportation to tap into the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief funds as agencies at all levels of government work to restore the infrastructure that was damaged during this disaster. Teams will also put forward mitigation measures to continue making North Dakota infrastructure and communities more resilient for future disaster events.