Jill Schramm/MDN A downed tree partially blocks a street in Velva following a July 27 windstorm.

VELVA – Rick Erickson couldn’t begin to estimate the number of downed and damaged trees in the Velva City Park following a July 27 storm. The Velva Park Board vice president said it’s easier to count the trees still standing than the numerous trees felled in the high winds that blew through the community shortly before dawn.

The North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network recorded wind velocities of 71 mph in Sawyer and 70 mph in Minot. A report of 78 mph wind came from southeast of Balfour. The storm extended over a good share of south and central North Dakota, with the highest recorded wind speed, 79 mph, in Golden Valley.

The National Weather Service received reports of damage to the roof o

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