North Dakota Sets New Tornado Record in 2025

The state saw 82 tornadoes, the most on record, including a deadly EF5 twister.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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North Dakota experienced a record-breaking severe weather season in 2025, with 82 tornadoes reported, surpassing the previous high of 61 in 1999. This included two brief tornadoes that were not initially counted. The state also tied the record for the most tornadoes in a single day, with 24 on June 20, 2025.

Why it matters

The extreme weather in North Dakota in 2025 highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of severe storms driven by climate change. Meteorologists warn that the 2026 severe weather season could also be above average, posing ongoing risks to public safety and infrastructure.

The details

The most intense tornado in North Dakota in 2025 was the EF5-rated Enderlin tornado that struck during the June 20-21 severe weather outbreak. This powerful twister caused EF5 damage when it hit a train in Ransom County, and then went on to cause EF4 damage and three fatalities in Cass County.

  • North Dakota had a total of 82 tornadoes in 2025, setting a new record (previously 61 in 1999).
  • North Dakota tied the record for the most tornadoes in a single day, with 24 on June 20, 2025 (tying the 24 that occurred on June 11, 1976).

The players

National Weather Service Bismarck Office

The local office of the National Weather Service that provided the data on the record-breaking tornado season in North Dakota.

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What’s next

Meteorologists warn that the 2026 severe weather season could also be above average, posing ongoing risks to public safety and infrastructure.

The takeaway

The extreme weather in North Dakota in 2025 highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of severe storms driven by climate change, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of these growing threats.