AITKIN COUNTY, Minnesota – On Wednesday, multiple tornadoes swept through northern Minnesota, causing heavy damage in Aitkin County. The National Weather Service confirmed the touchdown of these tornadoes, leading to destruction on Cedar Lake and Hammal Lake.
Images and videos submitted to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS showcased the aftermath of the tornadoes, with lake homes destroyed on Hammal Lake and some even blown into the water. Chopper 5 captured the extent of the damage along Rabbit Lake in Crow Wing County, north of Crosby, with homes, campers, cabins, and boats all affected. Furthermore, areas around Clamshell Lake, off the Whitefish Chain west of Crosslake, also experienced damage to several homes and resorts.
The Red Cross has responded to assist with storm recovery efforts in both Crow Wing and Aitkin counties. Survey crews from the National Weather Service are currently assessing the damage to determine if the tornadoes were part of a single event or multiple smaller tornadoes. As of now, no EF rating has been assigned to the bursts of tornadic activity in the region.
In addition to the tornadoes in northern Minnesota, a weak tornado with an EF-0 damage rating was confirmed in Wright, Minnesota, cutting a 5-mile path through northwestern Carlton County. The full extent of the damage caused by these tornadoes is still being assessed as recovery efforts continue in the affected areas.