North Dakota tornado upgraded to EF5 after NWS review
The National Weather Service’s Grand Forks office on Oct. 6, 2025 upgraded a June 20 tornado that struck near Enderlin, North Dakota, to an EF5 — the strongest tornado rating — after a forensic damage survey with engineers. The tornado, which carved a roughly 12‑mile path and reached about 1.05 miles in width, is now the first EF5 recorded on U.S. soil in 12 years; officials estimate peak winds near 210 mph and say three people were killed and widespread, catastrophic damage occurred.
Science
Public Safety
📌 Key Facts
- NWS Grand Forks upgraded the June 20, 2025 Enderlin, North Dakota tornado to EF5 on Oct. 6, 2025
- Estimated peak winds ~210 mph (338 kph); tornado width ~1.05 miles (1.7 km) and path ~12 miles (19 km)
- Three fatalities reported; initial field estimate had been EF3 before extended forensic analysis involving engineers and wind‑damage experts