Tornadoes Kill 3, Damage Homes, Airports in North Dakota, Minnesota

A severe storm system, including a confirmed tornado, swept through Enderlin, North Dakota, and parts of Minnesota on June 20, resulting in at least three fatalities and extensive damage. In Enderlin, two men and one woman died at separate locations, with responders who were familiar with the victims conducting welfare checks amid widespread destruction to about 10 homes. The tornado also caused significant power outages, leaving approximately 24,000 customers without electricity in North Dakota and nearly 34,000 in Minnesota. In Minnesota, powerful winds gusting up to 106 mph caused severe damage at Bemidji Regional Airport and surrounding areas, leading to blocked roads, downed power lines, structural damage, and gas leaks. Emergency officials have urged residents to avoid travel unless necessary while ongoing recovery and safety operations continue. This event highlights the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather and the critical need for coordinated emergency response and infrastructure restoration.