Severe weather outbreak spawns multiple tornadoes in Heilongjiang, China
At least six tornadoes touched down in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, during a severe weather outbreak on June 5, 2025. Tornadoes were confirmed in Keshan, Beian, Suihua, and Hailun, with damage reported to rural structures in several locations.
Tornado in Heihe, Heilongjiang Province on June 5, 2025. Credit: Eric Wang
A significant tornado outbreak occurred across multiple locations in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, on June 5, 2025. At least six tornadoes were confirmed throughout the region, making this one of the largest such events recorded in China in 2025.
Tornadoes were observed in Keshan, Beian, Suihua, and Hailun. In Beian, a “drillbit” tornado associated with a low-topped, high-based supercell touched down around 09:00 local time and was on the ground for about 20 minutes. It caused damage to farmhouses and sheds, suggesting at least moderate impacts.
In Suihua, observers described a tornado exhibiting a pronounced “rope out” structure, while the fourth tornado of the day was confirmed in Hailun.
The tornado in Heihe, Heilongjiang had a narrow, rope-like funnel extending from the cloud base to the ground, with a wider debris cloud at the surface.
The outbreak followed a similar severe weather event in nearby Jilin Province on June 2, where a stovepipe tornado in Changshan Town, Songyuan City, caused structural damage and affected more than 200 households.
As of this report, no official data on injuries, fatalities, or detailed damage assessments have been released. Intensity ratings for the tornadoes were not available, though visible structural impacts suggest some tornadoes reached moderate strength.
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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