2025 Enderlin tornado

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/2025-enderlin-tornado

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the tornado intensity classification?EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale
2. What is the geographic location?Rural North Dakota, impacting areas near Enderlin
3. What was the Enderlin tornado and why was it called a giant twister?The Enderlin tornado was a very strong tornado that touched down near Enderlin, North Dakota, on June 20, 2025. It was called a giant twister because it could lift a whole school bus and was the first EF5 tornado in 12 years.
4. Why was the tornado reclassified from EF3 to EF5?After experts looked closely at the damage, like grain hopper cars being lifted, they decided the wind was even stronger. The reclassification showed how careful surveys help scientists understand tornado power.

Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale: A tornado intensity scale that rates tornadoes from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest) based on estimated wind speeds and damage.
Derecho: A widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm associated with a fast-moving group of thunderstorms, often producing damage similar to that of a tornado.
Mesocyclone: A rotating column of air within a supercell thunderstorm, which can lead to the formation of a tornado.
Forensic Damage Analysis: The scientific study of damage patterns left by a severe weather event to determine its characteristics, such as wind speed and direction.