A tornado that struck southeast North Dakota on June 20 this year has been reclassified to an EF-5. This designation is the highest on the Enhanced Fujita scale, reflecting catastrophic damage and wind speeds exceeding 210 mph.
Enderlin Tornado Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) made the announcement regarding the tornado’s reclassification on October 6. Originally rated as an EF-3, the tornado caused significant destruction in the Enderlin area, demolishing homes and damaging numerous structures. It also derailed a train during its path.
- Date of Event: June 20, 2023
- Location: Enderlin, North Dakota
- Length: 12 miles
- Width: 1 mile
- Initial Classification: EF-3
- Reclassification: EF-5
- Wind Speed: Exceeding 210 mph
Casualties and Impact
This devastating tornado claimed the lives of three individuals. Michael and Katherine Dehn, both 73, died at their residence about a mile east of Enderlin on Highway 46. Additionally, 89-year-old Marcario Lucio also lost his life due to the tornado’s impact.
Historical Context
This tornado marks a rare occurrence in North Dakota. Historically, the state has experienced only two other EF-5 tornadoes:
- Fort Rice in 1953
- Fargo in 1957, which resulted in twelve fatalities and helped inform the development of the Fujita Scale.
The last EF-5 tornado recorded in the United States occurred in Moore, Oklahoma, in 2013. The Fujita Scale, originally developed in 1971, was updated to the Enhanced Fujita Scale in 2007 to better categorize tornadoes based on the damage they inflict.
Conclusion
The reclassification of the Enderlin tornado to EF-5 underscores the severity of this weather event. As communities recover, it serves as a reminder of the destructive potential of severe storms.
