Sixty-eight years ago, on June 20, 1957, a catastrophic F5 tornado ripped through Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, leaving an indelible mark on the region and the field of meteorology. The "Fargo Tornado," as it became known, remains the deadliest in North Dakota's history, claiming 12 lives and injuring over 100.
The Fargo Tornado's Devastating Path
The tornado was part of a family of tornadoes spawned by a supercell thunderstorm that tracked over 27 miles in North Dakota before crossing into Minnesota for another 25. At its widest, the tornado reached 500 yards across, leaving a path of destruction that devastated homes and businesses.
Reports from that day indicate that over 300 homes were completely destroyed, and more than 1,000 others were damaged. The North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) also sustained damage. The Golden Ridge Subdivision, just south of 12th Avenue North, was particularly hard hit, with homes demolished and debris swept away from foundations.
Advance Warnings Saved Lives
Despite the extensive damage, the death toll could have been much higher. Timely warnings from the Weather Bureau, broadcast via local TV and radio, allowed many residents to evacuate or seek shelter. Meteorologists at Hector International Airport observed the approaching tornado and provided crucial advance warning, potentially saving countless lives.
The Fargo Tornado's Legacy: The Fujita Scale
The Fargo tornado was significant not only for its destruction but also for its contribution to meteorological science. Dr. Ted Fujita, a pioneering tornado researcher, extensively studied the event. His research led to the development of the Fujita scale (F-scale), a system for rating tornado intensity based on the damage they inflict. He rated the Fargo tornado an F5, the highest possible rating on the scale, signifying winds exceeding 275 miles per hour.
Fujita's work also led to the identification of "tornado families" and the formalization of the term "wall cloud," contributing significantly to our understanding of supercell thunderstorms and tornado formation.
Remembering the Fargo Tornado
The Fargo tornado stands as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature. 68 years later, we remember the victims, acknowledge the resilience of the community, and appreciate the advancements in weather forecasting that have helped mitigate the impact of such events.
The Fargo tornado, alongside the Ft. Rice tornado of 1953, remains one of only two confirmed F5 tornadoes in North Dakota's history.