Imagine a force of nature so powerful it can uproot trees, hurl rail cars like toys, and sweep away entire homes, leaving only foundations behind. This isn't a scene from a disaster movie—it's the chilling reality of an EF5 tornado, the most devastating classification on the Enhanced Fujita scale. And this summer, one of these monstrous storms tore through southeastern North Dakota, marking the first EF5 tornado on American soil in over a decade. But here's where it gets even more alarming: this isn't just a rare event—it's a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the challenges meteorologists face in understanding and predicting these destructive phenomena.
On June 20, the small town of Enderlin became the epicenter of this catastrophic event. With winds exceeding 200 mph (322 kph), the tornado carved a 12-mile (19-kilometer) path of destruction across the prairie, claiming three lives and causing widespread devastation. At its peak, the tornado spanned 1.05 miles (1.7 kilometers), a size that’s almost unimaginable until you see the aftermath: farmsteads reduced to rubble, transmission towers toppled like dominoes, and trees stripped from the earth. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Grand Forks later estimated the winds reached a staggering 210 mph (338 kph), earning it the EF5 rating after extensive analysis.
And this is the part most people miss: Determining the strength of a tornado isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It’s not just about wind speed—it’s about the damage left behind. In this case, the unusual destruction of rail cars, including one that was flung far from the tracks, required meteorologists to collaborate with engineers and wind damage experts. This forensic approach took weeks, upgrading the initial EF3 estimate to the confirmed EF5 rating. The process highlights the complexity of assessing these events and the importance of every detail in understanding their true power.
Since the Enhanced Fujita scale was introduced in 2007, only 10 tornadoes have been classified as EF5. The 12-year gap between this event and the last EF5 tornado—which struck Moore, Oklahoma, in 2013—is the longest since record-keeping began in 1950. Melinda Beerends, meteorologist in charge at the Grand Forks office, explains, “In the last 12 years, there’ve been several strong tornadoes that came close, but there weren’t enough damage indicators to support an EF5 rating. It’s hard sometimes to get tornadoes to hit something substantial enough to leave clear evidence.”
But here's where it gets controversial: While some might attribute the rarity of EF5 tornadoes to improved forecasting and building practices, others argue that climate change could be altering the conditions that spawn these storms. The tornado in North Dakota was fueled by warm, moist air—ideal for thunderstorms—combined with high wind shear, which creates the perfect conditions for tornado formation. But as global temperatures rise, could we see more frequent or intense tornadoes? It’s a question that divides experts and sparks heated debates.
The human toll of this event is equally heartbreaking. Two men and a woman lost their lives near Enderlin, a community about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Fargo. Thousands of homes lost power, and one farmstead was virtually erased, leaving only a basement and scattered debris. The last EF5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, killed 24 people and injured over 200, yet nearly a decade later, the same town saw moviegoers flocking to watch the 2024 film “Twisters,” a stark contrast between tragedy and fascination.
As we reflect on this event, it’s impossible not to wonder: Are we prepared for more of these super-tornadoes? And what role does climate change play in their formation? These are questions that demand answers, not just from scientists, but from all of us. What do you think? Is this a sign of things to come, or just a rare anomaly? Let’s discuss in the comments—your perspective could spark a conversation that changes how we think about these powerful storms.
