New Richmond, Wisconsin — A tornado that touched down Thursday southeast of New Richmond, Wisconsin, caused EF2 damage, survey crews confirmed.
The National Weather Service announced the preliminary rating on social media, but provided no additional details about the damage assessment.
The twister struck around 3:30 p.m., as severe weather moved through the area late Thursday afternoon. The NWS received numerous reports of tornadoes and rotating clouds, and thousands were left without power as the powerful system moved through Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
“I had just enough time to put three vehicles into our large barn here, and by the time I got the last vehicle in, there was a huge rush of noise behind me, and the truck started shaking,” said Jeff Hogden, who was driving home from work as the severe weather rolled through St. Croix County.
Hodgen told KARE 11’s Raya Quttaineh that the tornado passed right through his property, destroying his barn, greenhouse, and chicken coop.
“I’ve never been so close to a tornado before,” Hodgen said, adding that he and his wife were unharmed. “It’s still pretty overwhelming. We’ve never had to clean up anything like this before, but we’ll get it done and start over if necessary.”