Subject: Storm Update – Homeland Security and Emergency Management Response
Last night a narrow, but very intense storm front moved across the southern third of the state. Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) regional program coordinators are in contact with county officials and will provide more information as it becomes available today. Only one minor injury was reported and there are currently no requests for state response assistance. Minnesota communities will be working hard today on damage and impact assessments, debris removal, and power restoration.
Significant impacts were reported, to this point:
- Southeast: Le Sueur, Rice, Steele, and Goodhue counties experienced heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. The most severely impacted area appears to be Rice County, with significant damage at Morristown, Faribault, and Northfield. There are reports of multiple homes damaged/destroyed at Morristown. The Faribault airport has extensive damage to buildings and aircraft. Farm building damage and livestock losses have been reported across the area.
- Southcentral: In Martin County, the city of Granada (pop. 300) was hit by heavy rains, strong winds, and a possible tornado. There were power outages, significant tree damage, and one house was knocked off its foundation. In Faribault County, the city of Blue Earth reported severe thunderstorms with 80 mph winds that caused tree damage and knocked down power lines. The city of Easton (population 200) initiated an evacuation in response to a gas leak, but, fortunately, the leak was fixed and residents were able to return home. A local church was damaged by high winds.
