The Midwest is experiencing severe weather, with multiple tornadoes reported across Minnesota and Iowa. Stay informed and prepared!
Minnesota Hit by Tornadoes: What You Need to Know
Severe storms swept through Minnesota Saturday night and early Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and confirmed tornadoes. According to FOX 9, three tornadoes were observed in the southwest Twin Cities metro area early Sunday. Earlier on Saturday evening, two tornadoes were reported near Canby, in western Minnesota.
Specific Tornado Reports in Minnesota:
- St. Bonifacius: Reports of a tornado. Residents were urged to take cover.
- Waconia: An observed tornado moving east at 30-35 mph.
- Carver and Hennepin Counties: Tornado warning issued just after midnight.
The storms also brought heavy rainfall and damaging winds to the Twin Cities metro area. There's a potential for flooding as the storms could stall along a west-to-east line.
Iowa and Southeast Minnesota See Tornado Activity
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed five tornadoes touched down in southeast Minnesota and northern Iowa on Wednesday. While there were numerous tornado warnings in effect, thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Details of the Confirmed Tornadoes:
- Yucatan, MN: An EF1 tornado with peak winds of 100 mph. It was on the ground for 13 minutes and traveled 6.5 miles, causing damage to trees and an outbuilding roof.
- North of Zumbro Falls, MN: Another EF1 tornado, also reaching 100 mph. It was on the ground for just one minute but ripped the roof off a mobile home, damaged trees, knocked over farm implements, and heavily damaged a barn. It traveled just under a mile.
- Nodine, MN: An EF0 tornado that briefly touched down, snapping a few limbs off trees.
- Near Hokah, MN: Another brief EF0 tornado that damaged a few pine trees.
- West of New Albin, IA: An EF0 tornado on the ground for five minutes, traveling 3.64 miles. It caused some damage to trees but no structural damage.
Stay Safe During Severe Weather
With the increased frequency of severe weather events, it's crucial to be prepared. Here are some safety tips:
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news, weather alerts, and the National Weather Service for updates.
- Download Weather Apps: Many apps provide location-based weather alerts directly to your phone. The FOX 9 weather app, for example, is a great resource for Minnesota residents.
- Know the Signs: Be aware of signs of a tornado, such as a dark or greenish sky, large hail, a loud roar like a freight train, or a rotating cloud base.
- Take Shelter: If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest level of a building.
- Stay Away from Windows: Protect yourself from flying debris.
- Plan Ahead: Have a family emergency plan and a designated safe place to go.
The Increasing Frequency of Severe Weather
Experts agree that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. Understanding these risks and taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your community is more important than ever.
Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared!