Powerful Derecho and Tornadoes Devastate North Dakota and Minnesota

Damage caused by the severe derecho and tornado impacting North Dakota and Minnesota.

News Summary

A massive storm swept through North Dakota and Minnesota, unleashing a deadly derecho and multiple tornadoes. The rural town of Enderlin faced the worst destruction, with three fatalities reported. Wind gusts exceeded 100 mph, causing significant damage across the region, uprooting trees, and leaving thousands without power. As emergency responders assess the devastation, concerns about flash flooding and ongoing severe weather loom, impacting millions more across the Midwest.

Powerful Derecho and Tornadoes Devastate North Dakota and Minnesota

A *massive storm* slammed into North Dakota and western Minnesota from Friday night into Saturday morning, June 20, 2025, unleashing a *devastating derecho* that brought with it a frightening level of destruction. Wind gusts surging beyond 100 mph and deadly tornadoes wreaked havoc, packing a punch that left many in shock.

The worst of the destruction hit the rural town of Enderlin, North Dakota, where at least three lives were tragically lost due to a tornado. It all started around 11:40 p.m. when deputies received reports of tornado damage in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, it became painfully clear that the tornado had been fierce, with firefighters discovering two deceased individuals inside one home. A third victim was found later in a different location, raising concerns about the storm’s intensity and deadly impact.

Experts have hinted that the tornado near Enderlin could be *the strongest recorded* in North Dakota’s history, although this is pending official verification from weather authorities. Multiple tornadoes churned near other areas, including Spiritwood, Eckelson, and Urbana, causing severe damage. The winds didn’t just stop with the tornados; a private weather station near Luverne clocked in wind gusts at an eye-watering 111 mph shortly after midnight.

Powerful Wind Gusts and Structural Damage

Jamestown also felt the storm’s fury, experiencing sustained gusts of 80 to 90 mph for more than an hour, causing trees to uproot and roofs to rip apart. In Minnesota, Bemidji’s airport recorded an astonishing gust of 106 mph. The damage in and around Bemidji was extensive, with falling trees causing havoc by smashing into roofs, cars, and even trapping some folks as the winds unleashed their chaos.

Emergency management officials quickly issued warnings urging people to stay off the roads. With countless blocked pathways due to downed trees and power lines, getting around was no easy feat. The storm didn’t just leave debris in its wake; it caused *significant infrastructure damage as well*. Over 80% of Beltrami County was reported to be without power as early as 8:30 a.m. CT on June 21, with the heavy toll reflected in the numbers: more than 57,000 customers lost power in Minnesota, while around 30,000 were impacted in North Dakota.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Threats

As emergency responders move through the wreckage, they’re conducting *well-being checks* and search efforts in Enderlin to ensure everyone is accounted for. Trauma was not limited to just the immediate destruction; flash flooding also added to the misery, particularly in downtown Bemidji, where stalled vehicles became a common sight due to rising waters.

As the storm system travels eastward across the Midwest and Northeast, the potential for flash flooding and strong winds looms, threatening to affect millions more. Authorities have not taken this lightly, with the National Weather Service on alert for **dangerous heat** in tandem with the storm system, a combination impacting over 150 million Americans.

With many people’s lives turned upside down, the community is coming together to support each other through this challenging time. From inconvenience to tragedy, the impact of this storm will be felt for many years to come, but the spirit of resilience can be seen flickering in the faces of those who survived.