ENDERLIN, N.D. (KFGO) – Governor Kelly Armstrong has made a stop in Enderlin and the surrounding area to get a first-hand look at the devastation from the two tornadoes that hit late Friday night.
Two tornadoes that hit the area were responsible for three deaths.
Armstrong says getting a firm handle on the amount of damage and repairs costs is critical.
Armstrong says the state will do all it can to assist with storm recovery. He authorized an emergency declaration Saturday. Long term, Armstrong says a USDA disaster declaration is likely.
[audio wav="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2025/06/25151316/kelly-accuracy.wav"]“Grain bins are gone. Crops are gone. I talked to Secretary Rollins, just gave her a heads up yesterday that it’s coming,” Armstrong said. “The federal response is more, to my understanding, on the reimbursement side after we know what the designation is.”
FEMA assistance may become available as well.
Enderlin Fire Chief John Anderson says the community is very thankful for the help from volunteers.
“Just it kind of goes back to North Dakota strong,” Anderson said. “We’re a tight-knit community. We have come together and we have put together a lot of volunteer groups that have helped clean up fields and helped clean up residents.”
The first tornado, preliminarily rated an EF-3, began three miles south of Enderlin and tracked northeast across Highway 46 before it weakened and dissipated. It was on the ground for 12 miles. Peak winds were estimated at around 160 mph. The second tornado developed from the same super cell thunderstorm about four miles northeast of Enderlin and tracked to the southeast crossing Highway 46. It was on the ground for around eight miles and had a preliminary rating of an EF-1.