Fact Check: "Wind gusts reached 106 mph in Minnesota, causing severe damage."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that wind gusts did indeed reach 106 mph in Minnesota, specifically in the area of Bemidji. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a private weather station near Bemidji Regional Airport recorded this gust just before 1 a.m. on a Saturday morning, which contributed to significant storm damage in the region (CBS News, Fox Weather). Additionally, the storm system responsible for these winds was part of a larger weather event that included tornadoes and widespread wind damage across the Upper Midwest, with reports of wind gusts exceeding 100 mph in multiple locations (Storm Prediction Center).
Analysis
The claim that wind gusts reached 106 mph in Minnesota is supported by multiple credible sources. The NWS's Grand Forks branch reported these gusts, and the severity of the storm was corroborated by local news outlets (CBS News, Fox Weather). Furthermore, the Storm Prediction Center noted that there were significant wind damage reports, including gusts up to 110 mph in other areas (Monthly Climate Reports).
However, while the wind gust measurement is reliable, the extent of the damage caused by these winds is still being assessed. Reports indicate that thousands of trees were downed, and there were instances of property damage, but comprehensive assessments of the overall impact are ongoing (CBS News). The reliability of the sources is high, given that they are established news organizations and government weather services.
Conclusion
Needs Research. While the claim regarding wind gusts reaching 106 mph in Minnesota is substantiated by credible sources, the full extent of the damage caused by these winds is still under investigation. Further research is necessary to provide a complete picture of the storm's impact and to confirm the long-term effects on the affected areas.
Sources
- Storm Prediction Center Oct 23, 2023 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
- Monthly Climate Reports | Annual 2023
- List of Storm Prediction Center high risk days
- Deadly derecho leaves trail of damage as tornadoes, 100+ mph winds ...
- At least 3 dead after tornado rips through North Dakota ...
- At least 3 dead after tornado rips through North Dakota, northern ...
