Communities across the Midwest began cleanup efforts Saturday after severe weather and multiple tornadoes struck from the Great Lakes to Texas. At least 66 tornado reports were submitted across multiple states on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The storms uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and left debris blocking rural roads.
In Marion Township, Minnesota, about 30 homes were damaged, with a dozen sustaining significant damage, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office. An EF-2 tornado also caused "most significant damage" in Lena, Illinois, where many homes and outbuildings were damaged, trees uprooted, and power lines downed, according to the NWS.
ComEd reported that more than 43,000 customers lost power in Illinois. Electric utility crews restored power to almost all customers by Saturday night.
"Step one is we're trying to get power back on," said Troy Holmberg of Rochester, Minnesota, noting that many residents rely on wells for water. Wisconsin Public Service is also working to restore power in Kronenwetter, but Police Chief Terry McHugh said it could be a lengthy process.
No deaths have been reported from the severe weather and tornado outbreak. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said the weather "did not result in loss of life or serious injury" in Lena, Illinois. McClean County officials declared a disaster emergency in Bloomington, Illinois, but reported no injuries.
The American Red Cross of Wisconsin said volunteers are helping those impacted by the storms with meals, shelter, and support. Jennie Murphy said Rochester residents are working together to clear the damage. "I don't even know who a lot of these people are that are out helping," Murphy said. "Our neighborhood is pretty good about watching out for each other."
Ongoing showers and thunderstorms were forecast to continue across the eastern third of the country on Sunday, potentially prolonging flooding risks in some places, particularly in the Great Lakes region, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said gusty winds and very dry conditions ramped up the risks of fire weather Sunday for parts of the southern High Plains, especially northeastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, southwestern Kansas and the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. In south and central Texas, forecasts show the possibility of oncoming thunderstorms Monday, potentially leading to flash flooding.
Communities across the Midwest began cleanup efforts Saturday after severe weather and multiple tornadoes struck from the Great Lakes to Texas. At least 66 tornado reports were submitted across multiple states on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The storms uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and left debris blocking rural roads.
In Marion Township, Minnesota, about 30 homes were damaged, with a dozen sustaining significant damage, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office. An EF-2 tornado also caused "most significant damage" in Lena, Illinois, where many homes and outbuildings were damaged, trees uprooted, and power lines downed, according to the NWS.
Over 70,000 customers in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions were without power Saturday morning, according to poweroutage.us. ComEd reported that more than 43,000 customers lost power in Illinois. Electric utility crews restored power to almost all customers by Saturday night.
"Step one is we're trying to get power back on," said Troy Holmberg of Rochester, Minnesota, noting that many residents rely on wells for water. Wisconsin Public Service is also working to restore power in Kronenwetter, but Police Chief Terry McHugh said it could be a lengthy process.
No deaths have been reported from the severe weather and tornado outbreak. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said the weather "did not result in loss of life or serious injury" in Lena, Illinois. McClean County officials declared a disaster emergency in Bloomington, Illinois, but reported no injuries.
The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is providing meals, shelter, and support to those impacted by the storms. Jennie Murphy said Rochester residents are working together to clear the damage. "I don't even know who a lot of these people are that are out helping," Murphy said. "Our neighborhood is pretty good about watching out for each other."
Ongoing showers and thunderstorms were forecast to continue across the eastern third of the country on Sunday, potentially prolonging flooding risks in some places, particularly in the Great Lakes region, according to the National Weather Service. Roughly 38 million people were under a freeze warning, and roughly 32 million under a freeze watch, nationwide. Forecasters said gusty winds and very dry conditions ramped up the risks of fire weather Sunday for parts of the southern High Plains, especially northeastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, southwestern Kansas and the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. In south and central Texas, forecasts show the possibility of oncoming thunderstorms Monday, potentially leading to flash flooding.
The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin has partnered with Marathon county’s United Way chapter to help residents whose homes were damaged.
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The sources also report that Rochester, Minnesota experienced an EF-2 tornado with peak winds up to 125 mph, and more than a dozen homes were damaged or destroyed there.