Faribault, Minnesota — The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Rice County between Faribault and Kenyon on Monday, as severe storms swept across southern Minnesota.
“We have confirmation of preliminary damage rating of at least EF-1 with the Rice County tornado that touched down east of Faribault and west of Kenyon in MN,” the National Weather Service’s Twin Cities office tweeted. “Our survey crew is still out assessing the extent of the damage.”
Rice County officials reported “significant damage” in Richland Township on Monday evening, citing damage to buildings and vehicles. Aerial footage from Sky 11 on Tuesday showed damage to farm outbuildings and several semi-trailers thrown on their sides.
“The Rice County Sheriff’s Office is grateful that no one was injured, and our thoughts are with those affected by this incident,” Rice County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Paul LaRoche stated in a news release.
The National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes in western Wisconsin on Monday:
- An EF-1 tornado touched down northeast of Mondovi in Buffalo County and briefly crossed into Eau Claire County
- An EF-1 tornado briefly touched down south of Allen and west of Foster
- Another tornado with at least EF-1 damage occurred south and east of Augusta
- A brief EF-0 touched down near Hale Corner
