A powerful tornado that struck southeastern North Dakota in June has been confirmed as an EF5, the first in the United States in 12 years. The storm killed three people and caused catastrophic damage near Enderlin.

The National Weather Service said the June 20 tornado reached winds over 210 mph (338 km/h), tearing through a 12-mile path that was more than a mile wide. Homes were flattened, vehicles tossed, and train cars derailed indicators of the highest tornado rating.

Initially classified as an EF3, it was later upgraded after detailed surveys found evidence of “forensic damage” consistent with EF5 strength.

This marks the first EF5 tornado in the U.S. since the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma disaster, ending the nation’s longest EF5 drought since the Enhanced Fujita scale was introduced.

The storm was part of a larger tornado and derecho outbreak that swept across the northern Plains and Midwest, breaking North Dakota’s annual tornado record. It is the strongest and deadliest tornado in the state since 1978.

Meteorologists say the event highlights how extreme storms are becoming more widespread, even in regions once considered lower risk.