On March 15, 1995, a severe windstorm with gusts reaching up to 70 mph struck Fargo, North Dakota, causing significant damage to the Fargodome and affecting thousands of residents. The storm resulted in over $100,000 worth of damage to the dome’s roof, downing trees, power lines, and leaving approximately 9,000 homes and businesses without electricity.
Storm’s Impact on the Fargodome
The National Weather Service in Fargo reported that the fast-moving thunderstorms, moving at speeds of around 60 mph, generated extensive destruction. Al Voelker, a spokesperson for the weather service, noted that the thunderstorms produced straight-line winds rather than tornadoes. “These were straight-line winds,” Voelker explained. “They were just generally an outflow from the thunderstorms, cooler air caused by falling rain that pushes out ahead of the storm itself.”
The storm’s most notable damage occurred at the Fargodome, where a large section of the roof measuring 50 feet by 120 feet was torn off. Paul Johnson, the dome’s executive director, indicated that workers had to collect pieces of the roof scattered across the parking lot. Operations Director Jeff Kossow stated that plans for a temporary roof would begin immediately, and meetings with the facility’s insurance adjuster were on the agenda to assess the full extent of the damage.
Widespread Damage Across Fargo
The storm’s impact extended beyond the Fargodome. In the surrounding area, fallen trees and damaged structures were prevalent. Dennis Walaker, Fargo’s operations manager, reported that city crews were engaged in clearing “hundreds and hundreds” of branches torn from trees by the winds. He estimated that between 30 and 50 large trees were either uprooted or severely damaged in the vicinity.
The storm also caused notable disruptions to the power supply. Bob Thompson, electric operations manager for Northern States Power Co., confirmed that around 9,000 customers lost electricity, primarily in south Fargo. Although repairs were underway by mid-morning, scattered outages continued due to additional damage from fallen trees.
Residents recounted their experiences of the storm. Laurie Nielson, living near the Sheyenne River, described being awoken by the sound of the storm, likening it to “a freight train.” She and her family sought shelter in their basement as the wind howled outside. Many shared similar experiences, highlighting the storm’s ferocity and the rapidity with which it struck.
While the National Weather Service confirmed that no tornadoes had touched down, some residents remained unconvinced. Nielson, reflecting on the devastation in her yard, expressed doubt about the official assessment. “They said it was not a tornado, just a thunderstorm,” she noted, “but there is no doubt in my mind that it was.”
As the city of Fargo managed the aftermath of this severe weather event, officials remained focused on repairs and recovery efforts, ensuring that residents could return to normalcy as swiftly as possible. The combination of high winds and severe thunderstorms on that March day left an indelible mark on the community, underscoring the power of nature and its potential for destruction.
