BEMIDJI – Severe thunderstorms and damaging winds tore through the Bemidji area late last night and into this morning, resulting in significant damage and leaving thousands without power.
Not one Bemidji neighborhood was unaffected by the storm, with numerous houses, businesses and properties facing damage as a result of fallen trees and debris.
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Downtown Bemidji buildings saw significant damage.
Many lost a sign, like Dairy Queen. Some featured trees blocking an entrance, like Books N More. Others had broken windows, like the Historic Carnegie Library.
The MJB Home Center saw extra damages when ample bricks broke off the building and scattered onto Beltrami Avenue NW.
Parks were no different, with Library Park and Paul Bunyan Park losing plenty of trees. Additionally, parks such as Mark Evenson Memorial Field saw significant damage, with scattered debris and fences that were caved in.
Heading north to Lake Bemidji State Park has become a challenge as ample fallen trees, alongside downed powerlines, sporadically occupy Bemidji Avenue N. On Birchmont Beach Road NE, a fallen tree and powerline make it difficult for large vehicles to pass through.
A cleanup effort was already underway on Saturday morning, as the sound of chainsaws and the scent of fallen trees filled the air as Bemidjians began working to clean up the large-scale mess caused by the storm.
Bike Bemidji's annual Loop the Lake Festival, which was originally set for Saturday, was canceled due to the storm damage. The event typically draws hundreds to the shores of Lake Bemidji for the 17-mile ride.
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According to the National Weather Service, the Bemidji area, along with much of northern Minnesota, had an enhanced risk of experiencing severe thunderstorms starting Friday night and continuing into early Saturday morning. The enhanced risk was later upgraded by the Storm Prediction Center to a moderate risk, the second-highest risk level, with the possibility of tornadoes, hail and winds exceeding 80 mph.
The NWS noted that “these storms will track eastward through the evening across (North Dakota) and eventually grow upscale. Very large hail and tornadoes will be possible for the first few hours of this scenario, with an increasing risk of damaging winds with time.â€
According to a Saturday morning release from Beltrami County Emergency Management Director Chris Muller, shortly after midnight, the NWS issued a tornado warning for southern Beltrami County, including Bemidji. Outdoor warning sirens were activated and CodeRED notifications were sent.
Reports of significant damage were being received as the storms moved through southwestern Beltrami County. At approximately 12:55 a.m., the Bemidji Regional Airport’s weather station registered a wind gust of 106 mph.
“Torrential rain resulted in flash flooding downtown Bemidji with vehicles becoming stalled,†the release said. “Additional damage was reported in southeastern Beltrami County with thousands of trees blocking roadways.â€
As of 7 a.m., no injuries have been reported directly related to the storm, the release said. There are widespread power outages and numerous roadways remain impassable due to debris.
“Residents should plan for long-term power outages as significant infrastructure damage has occurred,†the release continued. “Travelers are asked to avoid unnecessary travel in Bemidji as crews are working to clear roadways.â€
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There are residents that have been displaced and arrangements have been made with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, City of Bemidji and Beltrami County to provide services for them, the release said. Those needing assistance should go to the Sanford Center and use the convention center entrance near The Tavern.
“The Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center is handling a high call volume, the release said. “If you are reporting property damage, please wait until this emergency subsides so dispatchers can process emergency calls first.â€
The Beltrami County Emergency Operations Center is activated and county departments, along with the city, are coordinating disaster response. Representatives from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management have arrived to provide assistance.
A Bemidji Fire Department Facebook post expressed that emergency crews have been working to respond to calls and assess the damage, noting that their priority is to clear the roads. In an updated post, the department said public works staff are working to secure cleanup assistance.
“We hope to utilize our Rako Street snow dump as a temporary site for storm debris; however, those details are not finalized, and no dumping is authorized at this time,†the post reads. “The demolition landfill will accept storm debris. Due to the number of downed power lines, we recommend avoiding unnecessary travel until crews have ensured all hazards are mitigated.â€
Power outages
As of Saturday morning, thousands throughout the county are also without power. According to a post made by Beltrami Electric Cooperative, its system experienced widespread outages across its entire service area.
“Line crews have been called in and are preparing to head out to assess the damage and begin restoration efforts,†the post read, noting that they expected it to take “more than a couple of days†for power to be restored throughout the entire service area.
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“We are not the only ones dealing with widespread damage as other co-ops and utilities are experiencing the same thing right now,†the post continued. “...We will post more updates as we get more information. This will be one for the books.â€
Those who see a tree on a powerline or another dangerous electric situation are encouraged to call Beltrami Electric’s dispatch at 1(800)955-6083.
According to an Otter Tail Power Company Facebook post from 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, some areas have had their power restored.
"Some areas have been restored, and crews are continuing work to bring more customers back online," the post read. "We aim to restore power to downtown and South Shore areas by the end of the day, but plans may change as assessments continue. Unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage, some areas may be without power for 3-4 days."
To report outages through Otter Tail, call (800) 257-4044 or (218) 739-8877, or visit
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