NWS Says 16 Tornadoes Hit Minnesota During Unprecedented Winter Storm
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- At least 16 tornadoes touched down in Minnesota last week as an historic storm swept through the state.
The following tornadoes have been confirmed by the National Weather Service:
- Hartland: EF-2
- Alden 1: EF-1
- Alden 2: EF-1
- Hayward: EF-0
- Myrtle: EF-1
- London: EF-1
- Racine: EF-1
- Sumner: EF-0
- Preston: EF-0
- Carrolton: EF-1
- Arendahl: EF-1
- Rushford Village: EF-1
- Plainview Area: EF-1
- Money Creek: EF-1
- Wyattville: EF-0
- Homer: EF-1
The EF scale rates tornadoes based on wind speed. EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes are rated as "weak" twisters, according to the NWS, while EF-2 tornadoes are considered "strong."
The Hartland tornado, the only EF-2 to touch down in Minnesota during last week's storm, reached 115 mph, the NWS said.
Last week's storm marked the first December tornadoes on record in Minnesota.
READ MORE: From Record Snow To December Tornadoes, 'Unusual' And Extreme MN Weather Driven By Climate Change
While NWS reports say no one was injured or killed, they note damage to numerous buildings, trees and other structures.
