A rare EF5 tornado struck southeastern North Dakota on June 20, 2023, becoming the first of its kind registered in the United States in over a decade. Meteorologists confirmed that the tornado reached winds up to 200 mph (322 kph).
Overview of the Tornado’s Impact
The tornado, which originated near Enderlin, was deadly, claiming three lives. It caused extensive damage across a swath of prairie, with a path exceeding 12 miles (19 kilometers) long and a width of approximately 1.05 miles (1.7 kilometers).
Tornado Characteristics
- Classification: EF5
- Wind Speed: Estimated at 210 mph (338 kph)
- Path Length: Over 12 miles (19 kilometers)
- Width: 1.05 miles (1.7 kilometers)
Historical Context
This EF5 classification marks a significant event, being the first to hit the U.S. since the deadly tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013. That tornado resulted in 24 fatalities and over 200 injuries.
Damage Assessment
Extensive damage was documented after the tornado passed through Enderlin. Reports indicate:
- Destruction of multiple farmsteads.
- Rail cars flipped and damaged.
- Transmission towers toppled.
- Numerous uprooted trees.
The unusual extent of destruction, including a rail car thrown a significant distance from its original location, made initial assessments challenging. The tornado was initially classified as an EF3 before the final data prompted an upgrade.
Conditions Leading to the Tornado
According to meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, warm, moist air combined with substantial wind shear created the ideal conditions for the tornado’s formation. Wind shear refers to variations in wind speed and direction that can spawn violent storms.
Casualties and Power Outages
The tornado claimed the lives of two men and one woman at separate sites near Enderlin, located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Fargo. In the aftermath, thousands of homes experienced power outages, and one farmstead was left with only its basement intact.
Conclusion
The tornado’s EF5 classification underscores the severity of this weather event. It serves as a reminder of the complex and dangerous nature of tornadoes, particularly in regions susceptible to such intense storms.
