North Dakota Storms Cause Widespread Crop, Property Damage

Recent storms that have dropped heavy rain and hail across North Dakota have caused headaches for motorists, farmers and homeowners.

Weekend storms caused widespread crop and building damage in the Killdeer area, where hail piled up like snowbanks. Wahpeton got about 5 inches of rain in 90 minutes, leading to street flooding and trapping at least one motorist.

Bismarck insurance agent Shane Splonskowski says his office has more than 1,300 hail damage claims this year, with many resulting from storms this month.

Heavy rainfall in northern North Dakota has put some pea and bean crops in jeopardy — either washing them out or preventing farmers from spraying for weeds. Renville County Extension Agent LoAyne Voigt says all the water also might lead to “phenomenal” crop disease problems.

Related:

• At Least 2 Dead in Midwest Floods that Damaged Homes, Stranded Motorists

Topics Windstorm Agribusiness Property