BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Following severe weather that caused extensive flood-related damage, Governor Doug Burgum declared a summer storm disaster in central North Dakota.

The executive order, issued on Wednesday, July 31, responds to unprecedented precipitation levels recorded in June and July. The National Weather Service reported that from June 2 to July 17, central North Dakota received between 6 and 9 inches of rainfall, leading to substantial damage to both gravel and paved roads.

The combination of torrential rain, localized hail, and straight-line winds caused damages exceeding $30 million across 13 sites.

The Stutsman County Commission had already declared an emergency in light of the severe conditions. Rainfall in the Stutsman County area was 125 to 150 percent above normal, making June the wettest since 2014.

Governor Burgum’s declaration enables the North Dakota Department of Transportation to utilize the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief funds. These funds will be used to repair the damaged infrastructure. Additionally, the state will implement mitigation strategies to strengthen North Dakota’s infrastructure and communities against future disasters.