Up to 50 people safely evacuated the Midway Lanes Bowling Alley Monday evening after a 30-foot-by-40-foot section of roof collapsed onto four of the building's businesses.

An estimated 6 inches of rain from a cloudburst is blamed for the mishap.

Owner Jim Mellon said the roof caved in sometime after 8:30 p.m. "It's a flat roof," he said. The pressure and excess demand on rain gutters proved too much stress on the building's cover.

"We'll be closed for two or three weeks, but it's a blessing no one was hurt," he said.

"We removed everyone safely and we shut the power down," Mellon said.

He estimates damage at $1.5 million to $2 million. He said the building is insured.

Damaged were the bowling alley, Midway Liquor, Nodak Insurance and a trophy shop.

Twenty lanes at the bowling alley may have to be replaced. Repairs also are needed in a bathroom and the lounge area.

Carpeting also may need to be replaced.

For Mellon, this means the loss of some class reunion business in the coming weeks, but he is grateful those inside exited safely.