Enderlin Tornado Classified as EF-5 Following Detailed Assessment
FARGO, N.D. – In a comprehensive assessment by the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, the Enderlin tornado from June 20, 2025, has now been reclassified as an EF-5—a significant upgrade from its initial EF-4 rating. This adjustment follows an exhaustive forensic review of wind damage and speed estimates.
Record-breaking Wind Speeds and Structural Damage
The tornado’s revised estimated peak winds now stand at over 210 mph, a notable increase from the preliminary estimate of 180 mph. The evidence supporting this reclassification includes reports of several grain hopper cars, fully loaded, that were overturned, and various tanker cars lofted into the air. Among them, one empty tanker car was hurled approximately 475.5 feet, as confirmed by the National Weather Service.
Impact on Local Environment and Infrastructure
Damage assessments extended to areas near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, where significant displacement of tree root balls was observed. These findings align closely with the storm-relative velocity data captured by radar during the event.
Historic Significance and Tragic Consequences
This EF-5 rating marks a milestone as the first in North Dakota since the devastating Fargo Tornado of 1957, and the first EF-5 classified tornado nationwide since Moore, Oklahoma, in 2013. The catastrophic event in Enderlin tragically resulted in the loss of three lives.
- First EF-5 tornado in ND since 1957.
- First nationwide EF-5 since 2013.
- Three fatalities reported.
Comprehensive Coverage and Ongoing Conversations
For further insights and previous reports you can visit Emegypt for continued coverage and updates on this devastating weather event and other similar occurrences impacting the region.