Large tornado causes crop and tree damage near Hankinson, North Dakota

Multiple tornadoes touched down near the North Dakota–South Dakota border on the evening of August 21, 2025, including a large one near Hankinson in Richland County, North Dakota.

Several tornadoes developed along a line of severe thunderstorms in southeastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota on August 21.

One of the more prominent tornadoes was observed around 17:30–18:00 local time (22:30–23:00 UTC) near Hankinson, in Richland County, just north of the state line.

According to the Richland County Emergency Management and local media reports, the tornado near Hankinson caused visible damage to trees and agricultural fields, particularly beans and corn. No injuries or damage to homes or businesses have been reported.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple tornado warnings during the storm’s progression, with advisories coming from both the Aberdeen, South Dakota and Grand Forks, North Dakota offices. Residents were advised to seek shelter immediately as the storms advanced across the region.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) received four tornado reports on August 21. Two tornadoes were reported in Richland County, North Dakota; one in Roberts County, South Dakota; and one in Grant County, Minnesota.

Although North Dakota and South Dakota experience fewer tornadoes than states farther south in the U.S. Midwest, localized outbreaks can still result in significant agricultural and infrastructural impacts.

Featured image: Tornado near Hankinson, North Dakota on August 21, 2025. Credit: Eric Klindt