A devastating EF5 tornado that struck eastern North Dakota in June, killing three people, has been officially upgraded by the National Weather Service. This marks the first EF5 tornado in the US in over a decade, with winds exceeding 210 mph. The upgrade was based on extensive damage, including significant destruction to a freight train and a farmstead. EF5 tornadoes are the strongest on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with this being only the 60th recorded since 1950. The rarity of such an event has also sparked discussions among scientists regarding tornado rating scales.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.