2025 Enderlin, ND Tornado Upgraded to EF-5
June 20, 2025 Enderlin, ND tornado upgraded to EF-5. Winds 210+ mph, trains derailed, 3 fatalities, and state disaster declared.
This is the first EF-5 to occur since the Moore, OK tornado on May 20, 2013.
The conditions for severe weather were favorable on the afternoon of June 20, as severe thunderstorm watches were placed in effect for Enderlin, North Dakota. This system of storms was part of a larger, severe outbreak—an overnight derecho that swept the Northern Plains.
The Doppler radar was tracking a tornado that formed near Enderlin at approximately 11:02 p.m. and was on the ground for roughly 19 minutes, carving a 12-mile path—up to a mile wide.
Reflectivity and velocity model showing hook echo of Enderlin tornado. Courtesy, NWS.
Today, the NWS officially upgraded the Enderlin tornado to an EF-5, the first since the Moore, Oklahoma tornado that occurred in 2013. Forensic evidence—including tanker cars lofted into the air and massive trees uprooted—confirmed the extreme intensity of the storm.
Derailed train cars from Enderlin tornado. Courtesy, Aaron Rigsby.
The Enderlin tornado was originally rated EF-3, with estimated winds near 160 mph. However, after an in-depth forensic damage survey, the NWS officially upgraded the rating to EF-5, confirming wind speeds exceeding 210 mph.
The storm completely swept farmsteads from their foundations, derailed 33 train cars—including 19 fully loaded grain hoppers and 14 empty tanker cars.
One of the loaded grain cars weighed approximately 286,000 pounds, while one of the four tanker cars was found 475.7 feet away from its original track—striking evidence of EF-5 strength and destructive power.
There were 3 fatalities that occurred. Since 1978, North Dakota has not seen a tornado as deadly as this one. For a town like Enderlin, where neighbors are family, losing Michael and Katherine Dehn and Marcario Lucio leaves a wound that will take time to heal.
Even after the skies cleared, the story of Enderlin reminds us of both the power of nature and the strength of the people who endure it. Follow along for more stories of resilience, recovery and the science that helps us understand the storms we face.
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