Preliminary Information Categorizes Watford City Tornado as EF-2

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has released a preliminary assessment detailing the tornado that struck 5 miles south of Watford City on Memorial Day. According to the report, the tornado was categorized as an EF-2, with maximum winds reaching 120 mph. The tornado had a path length of .5 miles and was 100 yards wide. The storm resulted in nine injuries with no fatalities.

The tornado touched down at 7:46pm and was on the ground for about 10 minutes. 15 trailer homes were either severely damaged or completely destroyed. High sustained winds and a snapped power line contributed to the EF-2 rating. Although not definitively determined, eyewitness accounts indicate a possible second brief tornado in the same area.