Walz Surveys Bemidji Storm Damage, Emergency Declared

Governor Tim Walz toured storm-ravaged Bemidji and Beltrami County, Minnesota, after straight-line winds reaching up to 120 mph caused unprecedented destruction. The storm downed thousands of trees, damaged hundreds of structures, and left thousands without power for several days. Bemidji State University and other local institutions were forced to close, with cleanup and power restoration expected to take weeks. Both the city and county have declared a state of emergency, though no injuries or fatalities were reported. Many residents are concerned about inadequate insurance coverage, and the state has made its disaster contingency fund available. Relief efforts, led by community organizations like the United Way, continue as local leaders highlight the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities.