Fact Check: Wind gusts reached 106 mph in Minnesota during severe storms.

Fact Check: "Wind gusts reached 106 mph in Minnesota during severe storms."

What We Know

On June 20, 2025, severe storms impacted northern Minnesota, particularly the Bemidji area. Reports confirmed that the Bemidji Regional Airport recorded wind gusts of 106 mph around 12:55 a.m. during these storms. This extreme weather event was part of a larger system that caused significant damage across the region, including downed trees and power lines, and left thousands without electricity. The National Weather Service (NWS) corroborated these gust measurements, indicating that the storms were severe enough to produce winds exceeding hurricane force, which is classified as winds of 74 mph or more (source-7).

Analysis

The claim that wind gusts reached 106 mph in Minnesota is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The National Weather Service and local news reports both confirm the wind speed recorded at the Bemidji airport. Furthermore, the severe storms caused major damage across northern Minnesota, aligning with the reported wind speeds and the resultant destruction.

However, while the claim is accurate regarding the specific wind gust measurement, it is essential to note that the context of the storms involved multiple factors, including tornadoes and a derecho that affected areas in both Minnesota and North Dakota. The storm system was complex, leading to varying impacts across different locations, which may lead to confusion regarding the overall severity of the weather event.

The sources used in this analysis are reliable, including official meteorological reports from the NWS and reputable news outlets. However, it is crucial to consider that while the wind gust measurement is accurate, the broader implications of the storm's impact may vary based on geographic location and specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "wind gusts reached 106 mph in Minnesota during severe storms" is partially true. The specific measurement at the Bemidji Regional Airport is accurate and well-documented. However, the overall context of the storm system, which included tornadoes and extensive damage across a broader area, complicates the narrative. Therefore, while the wind speed is confirmed, the implications of the storm's severity and its effects are more nuanced.