Severe Weather Outbreak in the Dakotas Sets New Record for Tornadoes in North Dakota
A historic tornado outbreak occurred across the Dakotas on Sunday, September 14, 2025, resulting in over 20 reported tornadoes and breaking North Dakota’s yearly tornado record. According to the FOX Forecast Center, a surface low moving north through the Dakotas combined with low-level spin and a warm front, creating a perfect storm for tornadoes to develop quickly from northern South Dakota through parts of central North Dakota.
The severe weather event began in the early afternoon near Mobridge, South Dakota, with reports of cars being flipped over. As the storms moved into North Dakota, multiple tornadoes were reported, including a multiple-vortex tornado near Arena and Fort Rice. FOX Weather Exclusive Storm Tracker Brandon Copic was on the scene, capturing stunning footage of the tornadoes, including a large wedge tornado sweeping across Denhoff, North Dakota.
Tornado Reports and Record-Breaking Rainfall
More than 20 tornadoes were reported across a 200-mile stretch, from Mobridge, South Dakota, to Minot, North Dakota. The National Weather Service in Bismarck and Grand Forks confirmed that Sunday’s storms broke the state’s yearly tornado record, with the previous record being 61 tornadoes in 1999. As of September 13, there were 58 confirmed tornadoes in North Dakota, and with five tornadoes already confirmed from Sunday’s outbreak, the total for 2025 is expected to exceed the previous record.
Debris spinning up from a tornado near Butte, North Dakota on Sept. 14, 2025.
(Brandon Copic / FOX Weather)
In addition to the tornadoes, Bismarck experienced a record-breaking rainy day, with 2.44 inches of rainfall, surpassing the daily record for September 14 of 1.50 inches, set in 1900. The U.S. is running well above average with over 1,400 tornado reports this year, making it a significant severe weather season.
FOX Weather Exclusive Storm Tracker Brandon Copic shared this video of him and his team tracking a large wedge tornado as it swept across Denhoff, North Dakota, on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2025.
Storm Chaser’s First-Hand Account
FOX Weather Exclusive Storm Tracker Brandon Copic had a thrilling experience, being on the scene for multiple tornadoes, including one that formed while he was stopping for gas near Butte, North Dakota. He captured the intense moment on video, radioing his fellow storm trackers about the tornado as debris was lofting into the air.
A video shared by FOX Weather Exclusive Storm Tracker Brandon Copic shows him being impacted by a tornado in Butte, North Dakota, on Sunday, Sept, 14, 2025, while stopping for gas.
Tornado reports for North and South Dakota on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
(FOX Weather)
For more information on the severe weather outbreak and the new record for tornadoes in North Dakota, visit Here
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