Deadly storm leaves trail of death and destruction in North Dakota

A powerful tornado ripped through rural North Dakota Friday night, leaving at least three people dead and many others shaken.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatalities after responding to multiple emergency calls around 11:40 p.m. near Enderlin.

Deputies arrived to find widespread destruction and were informed by the Enderlin Fire Department of casualties already discovered by storm chasers.

Two deceased individuals were located in a destroyed residence before midnight, according to first responders on the scene.

A third victim was found shortly after in a separate location, bringing the confirmed death toll to three overnight.

Authorities have not released the names or identities of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.

Officials described the storm’s impact as devastating, with structures flattened and power lines snapped across several rural properties.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, as law enforcement and fire crews conduct house-to-house wellness checks throughout the affected area.

Multiple agencies, including Cass County deputies, the Enderlin Fire Department, and neighboring rescue units, remain active on the ground.

“We’ve seen significant structural damage. We’re making sure everyone is accounted for,” said a Cass County spokesperson early Saturday.

Photographs from the scene show mangled vehicles, torn rooftops, and scattered debris fields stretching across farmsteads and roadways.

The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed the tornado’s category or the precise strength of its wind speeds.

Preliminary data suggests the twister touched down just west of Enderlin before carving through Cass County late Friday, June 20, 2025.

No official estimate has been released on the number of homes or buildings damaged in the storm.

Sheriff Jesse Jahner is scheduled to address the media at 7:30 a.m. local time with updated details.

Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid debris zones, and report injuries or missing persons to local authorities.

Emergency shelters have opened nearby to accommodate displaced residents and families affected by storm-related damage.

Utility crews are working to restore electricity and clear fallen trees blocking key access roads into the region.

This marks the deadliest weather event in North Dakota so far this year, officials confirmed Saturday morning.

Local meteorologists warn that conditions remain unstable and additional storm activity is possible through the weekend.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with state agencies and emergency management teams on response and recovery.

Anyone with information about missing individuals or storm damage is encouraged to contact emergency dispatch immediately.

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