BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum will travel to Watford City this afternoon to survey an RV park devastated by a tornado last night and to meet with local response officials and residents displaced by the storm.
The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office reported 28 people were treated for injuries after the tornado struck the Prairie View RV Park, with at least three people transported by air ambulance. Officials estimate more than 150 people were displaced by the storm.
Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, a Watford City native who was mayor of the city from 2010 to 2016, arrived there just before noon and has been surveying the damage and meeting with local officials and displaced residents.
“The extent of the damage here is devastating and mindboggling, with RVs utterly flattened and destroyed. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and displaced by this tornado,” Sanford said. “Fortunately, the community of Watford City is doing an amazing job offering assistance, providing food and water and finding shelter for those displaced. It will take a massive effort to clean up and recover from this tornado, and the state stands ready to help any way we can.”
The North Dakota Department of Human Services is working with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and other partner agencies to support McKenzie County emergency management as they work to meet the food and shelter needs of affected individuals. The state Department of Emergency Services also is monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with the American Red Cross and local officials. The North Dakota Highway Patrol was part of the initial response, and the Department of Health has been in contact with the local public health unit and hospital.