Several people were injured after a powerful EF-2 tornado tore through the Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, area Monday evening, leaving behind damaged homes, snapped trees and downed power lines.
Authorities said four injured people were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive. A fifth person went to the hospital in a private vehicle.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado reached peak winds of 115 mph and stayed on the ground for nearly seven miles.
A preliminary survey found that the tornado touched down at 7:47 p.m. about one mile northwest of Wheeler Lake. It lifted 10 minutes later, about three miles east of Floyd Lake.
The storm left homes and properties damaged across the area, according to the sheriff’s office. Several trees were destroyed, and power lines were brought down as the tornado carved through the community.
Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander said emergency crews have helped 31 people so far in the aftermath of the storm.
“This community, they step up, they stick together. We help each other,” Glander said.
Authorities are asking people to stay away from the damaged areas while first responders and utility crews continue assessing the destruction and working to restore services.
County officials said law enforcement will be controlling access to and from the impacted areas to protect property owners, emergency responders and utility workers.
Glander said the cleanup could take days, if not weeks.
An emergency shelter has been opened at M State College on Highway 34 for residents who were displaced by the tornado.
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