Strongest American Tornado in 12 Years was ND’s June 20th Deadly Twister: Upgraded to EF-5

North Dakota’s summer weather broke records left and right, including one that the U.S. hasn’t topped in 12 years. The June 20th tornado caused a train derailment south of Enderlin, tossing one empty tanker car nearly 476 feet. The initial estimate from the NWS for the twister was an EF-3. Officials say the tornado lasted nearly 20 minutes (11:02 to 11:21 p.m.), and created a 12 mile path from Enderlin to Alice, ND. The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has upgraded the estimated maximum wind speed to greater than 210 miles per hour after extensive analysis with wind damage experts. This marks the first U.S. tornado with an EF-5 rating in 12 years. Three lives were lost near Enderlin.

Additional investigation revealed complete foundation destruction at one farmstead on Highway 46, described as “swept clean” with debris scattered downwind. Extensive tree damage along the Maple River showed debarking with a “sandpapering” effect and trees ripped from the ground with displaced root balls.

The last confirmed EF-5 tornado in the U.S. touched down in Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This tornado caused extensive damage and loss; according to the NWS, it caused 24 deaths and over 200 injuries.

Strongest American Tornado in 12 Years was ND’s June 20th Deadly Twister: Upgraded to EF-5

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