A shortwave ridge then centered itself over the region and, despite only modest forcing, a trough spawned a low-pressure area over Southwestern North Dakota.

Although bulk shear was not quite high enough to support long-tracked supercells, meteorologist did indicate that an outbreak of severe thunderstorms along with a significant to violent tornado or two was possible.

The tornado then weakened, but remained strong as it crossed the Red River into Moorhead, Minnesota, damaging more buildings and homes.

After continuing another 5 miles (8.0 km), the supercell dropped a fourth tornado, which quickly became a violent F4 storm as it moved eastward through Glyndon.

It then turned northeastward, and produced significant tree damage along the Buffalo River before completely destroying a family farm.

Significant damage was observed on a second farm before the tornado abruptly turned north and dissipated after traveling 10 miles (16 km).

[3][33] The family of tornadoes traveled a total 52.4 miles (84.3 km), was 500 yards (460 m) wide at its peak, and was rated F5 when the Fujita scale came into effect in 1973.

A total of 10 people were killed (some sources list the death toll as 12) and 103 others were injured with all the casualties occurring in Fargo, making it the deadliest tornado ever recorded in North Dakota.