On the evening of May 6, 1965, a devastating tornado outbreak tore through the Twin Cities region of Minnesota, carving a path of destruction that left 13 people dead and hundreds injured. This terrifying night became known in state history as the “Night of Terror,” when six separate tornadoes—five of which were rated EF-2 or higher—ripped through the metro area in a span of just a few hours. The event remains one of the most significant and deadly tornado outbreaks in Minnesota’s recorded history and is confirmed and documented by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The outbreak began during the early evening hours and lasted into the night, catching many residents by surprise. In an era before modern radar systems and smartphone alerts, warnings were limited and sirens were not always heard. As a result, many people had little to no time to seek shelter. The tornadoes affected both Hennepin and Anoka counties, striking communities such as Fridley, Spring Lake Park, and Mounds View particularly hard.
According to NOAA and the National Weather Service, the strongest tornadoes that evening reached EF-4 strength (equivalent to F4 under the Fujita Scale used at the time), with wind speeds estimated between 207 and 260 mph. These violent twisters leveled homes, uprooted trees, and tossed vehicles like toys. Entire neighborhoods were flattened within minutes. Fridley, a northern suburb of Minneapolis, was hit twice in just over an hour by separate tornadoes, amplifying the damage and casualties.
One of the most tragic elements of the outbreak was the loss of life. Thirteen people were killed, including families who had no time to escape the path of destruction. More than 500 others sustained injuries. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and emergency responders worked tirelessly through the night. In addition to the human toll, the outbreak caused millions of dollars in property damage—adjusted for inflation, estimates exceed \$100 million in today’s dollars.
The 1965 outbreak led to important changes in severe weather forecasting and public safety procedures in Minnesota. In its aftermath, local governments expanded tornado siren systems and emphasized the need for public awareness and preparedness. The storm also led to enhanced cooperation between local meteorologists and national agencies like NOAA to improve early warning capabilities.
Photos and videos from that night show the immense power of the storms: foundations stripped bare, telephone poles snapped like matchsticks, and cars embedded into buildings. Survivors of the tornadoes often speak of the eerie stillness before the storm, followed by a roaring sound “like a freight train” moments before impact. Many who lived through it describe the night as surreal—marked by chaos, fear, and heartbreak.
Even 60 years later, the May 6, 1965 tornado outbreak stands as a grim reminder of nature’s fury and the importance of vigilance during severe weather season. The event is annually commemorated in Minnesota as a call to preparedness and to honor those who lost their lives.
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