Rochester, MN – Multiple tornadoes tore across southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin Friday afternoon, damaging homes and farms along paths stretching up to nearly 10 miles within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, at least three tornadoes have been confirmed in the region, including a powerful EF3 near Cream, Wisconsin, with peak winds of 140 mph. That tornado tracked 8.16 miles between 3:27 p.m. and 3:43 p.m., destroying outbuildings and causing significant structural damage, including exterior walls and roofs being torn from homes.
In southeast Minnesota, two EF2 tornadoes struck Olmsted and Wabasha counties. The Stewartville-to-Marion tornado reached 130 mph winds and carved a 9.67-mile path from 2:17 p.m. to 2:31 p.m., damaging numerous homes—especially near Highway 52 where roof loss and partial wall collapse occurred. A second EF2 from Viola to Plainview produced 125 mph winds along a 7.5-mile track, damaging farms and tearing roofing from at least one residence.
All three tornadoes developed rapidly within a 90-minute window, moving northeast and primarily impacting rural areas. Despite the intensity, no fatalities or injuries have been reported.
Damage includes snapped trees, destroyed farm buildings, and structural impacts to homes along key rural routes. Cleanup efforts are underway, and officials continue surveying additional damage.
