Powerful storms derail train, produce tornadoes in northern Plains
MOUND CITY, S.D. – Severe weather blasted across portions of the northern Plains on Wednesday, with thunderstorms producing powerful winds that blew over a train, as well as reports of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.
There were at least five reports of tornadoes that were received from North Dakota and South Dakota, including a large twister that was caught on video by exclusive FOX Weather Storm Tracker Brandon Copic.
The videos show the tornado spinning across a large open field and then a road near the community of Mound City, South Dakota. The slow-moving twister is seen pulling in large amounts of dirt and debris as it crosses the road, while another video showed tree branches flying through the air after the tornado passed.
Police in the community of Steele, North Dakota, said a tornado there luckily missed the town, but powerful winds derailed a nearby train just to the east.
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The train had stopped in Steele due to the Tornado Warning, BNSF spokesperson Kendall Sloan told FOX Weather.
"Approximately 43 empty coal cars derailed," Sloan said. "There were no injuries to the crew and no hazmat involved."
Police said there were also reports of power poles being brought down as storms impacted the community of Tappen.
Large hail was also witnessed across the region, including a report of 2.75-inch hail near Saint Anthony, North Dakota.
Strong winds also blasted across the region, with a 69 mph gust reported near Logan Center, North Dakota, and a 60 mph wind gust near Bismarck.
Original article source: Powerful storms derail train, produce tornadoes in northern Plains
