Friday night storms in Red River Valley

A large storm system passed through the Red River Valley prompting numerous weather warnings on Friday.

The National Weather Service says winds of 50 mph or greater were common with an 88 mph gust clocked north of East Grand Forks.  Heavy rains reported at many locations.

The NWS says tornadoes were spotted near Pekin…Larimore…McVille…and Menahga.  Scattered power outages occurred in Fargo.

Baseball size hail was reported near Henning in Otter Tail County.  Broken tree branches were also common in many locations including Grand Forks.

Heavy rains washed out a section of Highway 32 southwest of Fordville.  The NDDOT has closed the road between US 2 and ND 17.  The NDHP says a vehicle entered the washout and the driver sustained serious injuries.  He was transported to Altru Hospital.

Authorities in Fargo closed a section of 5th Street when panels to the exterior of the Radisson Hotel fell during the storm.  The closure is expected to be in place until repairs are made.

Much calmer weather is forecast for the weekend with highs in the 70’s.