North Dakota Tornado Upgraded to EF5, First in U.S. in 12 Years
A deadly June 20 tornado in southeastern North Dakota was upgraded to an EF5, the strongest classification, with 210 mph winds. It killed three, marking the first U.S. EF5 in 12 years.
Boston HeraldEF5 tornado that killed 3 in North Dakota was the nation’s first in 12 years
PBS NewsHourWeather service upgrades deadly tornado in North Dakota to an EF5, the nation's first in 12 years
Daily CallerUS Sees Rare EF5 Tornado For First Time In Over Decade, Experts Confirm
NewsmaxE5 Tornado That Killed 3 in N.D. Was Nation's First in 12 Years
Overview
A tornado that struck southeastern North Dakota on June 20 was officially upgraded to an EF5, the highest classification on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
This powerful tornado, with estimated winds reaching 210 mph, is the first EF5 to hit U.S. soil in 12 years, ending the longest such drought since 1950.
The storm near Enderlin, approximately 40 miles southwest of Fargo, tragically killed three people at two separate locations.
Initially rated an EF3, meteorologists, engineers, and wind damage experts conducted extensive on-site and forensic analysis over weeks to determine the upgrade.
The EF5 tornado caused widespread destruction, demolishing farmsteads, uprooting trees, toppling transmission towers, and even hurling rail cars.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of the EF5 tornado's classification and impact. They present expert meteorological analysis and local accounts without employing loaded language or selective emphasis, ensuring a balanced and informative narrative about the rare event and its assessment process.