North Dakota Tornado Outbreak Near-Historic; Federal Loans Announced For Storm Recovery

BISMARCK, ND — A severe weather outbreak on September 14 spawned 20 tornadoes across central North Dakota, pushing the state’s 2025 tornado total into record-breaking territory. At the same time, officials announced federal loan assistance for nonprofits affected by earlier summer storms that devastated communities statewide.

September 14 Outbreak Confirmed At 20 Tornadoes

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 20 tornadoes from thunderstorms that swept north from South Dakota into central North Dakota. Forecasters noted that the outbreak was unusual not only for its size but also for the storms’ south-to-north movement, which is rare in the state.

The tornadoes, rated EF1 and EF2, damaged farms and homes. EF1 twisters near Mercer and Menoken tore roofs from buildings and destroyed a mobile home. EF2 tornadoes caused heavier destruction, including a barn near Beaver Bay and an outbuilding and trailer home near Denhoff. The Denhoff tornado tracked 18 miles and was classified as a multivortex tornado, producing multiple spinning subvortices.

2025 Becomes A Record Year For North Dakota Tornadoes

The September outbreak pushed North Dakota’s tornado total to 80 for the year, shattering the previous record of 61 set in 1999. In September alone, the Weather Service issued a record 25 tornado warnings, with 20 twisters forming in a single day — just shy of the state’s record of 24 set on June 11, 1976.

Federal Aid Announced For June Storm Victims

In addition to September’s outbreak, officials are still responding to the June 20–21 storms, which produced at least 20 tornadoes, killed four people, and left 37,000 residents without power. President Donald Trump granted a disaster declaration for the state, paving the way for federal recovery aid.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has now made low-interest federal disaster loans available to private nonprofits across 19 counties, including Burleigh, Cass, McLean, Morton, and Stutsman. Eligible organizations — such as faith-based groups, food pantries, homeless shelters, schools, and museums — can apply for up to $2 million in loans with terms of up to 30 years.

The deadline to apply for property damage aid is November 10, 2025, while the deadline for economic injury loans is June 11, 2026.

A Year Of Severe Weather

Meteorologists called 2025 a historic year for severe weather in North Dakota, with major outbreaks in June, August, and September. The June storms also featured a rare derecho, producing hurricane-force winds and EF3 tornadoes with speeds up to 165 mph.

Officials say the latest aid announcement is meant to help communities and organizations stabilize ahead of winter, while residents remain on high alert for more volatile weather.

Do you believe North Dakota needs more investment in storm shelters and emergency warning systems after this record tornado season? Share your thoughts with us at NapervilleLocal.com, where we cover the latest severe weather and recovery updates across the Midwest.