A destructive burst of strong winds and reported tornadoes across the Upper Midwest left rural communities Saturday sifting through the destruction that was left behind.
Damage was severe in some communities — roofs ripped off homes, power lines tangled, and roads impassable because of debris. However, no deaths were reported.
“We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury,” Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said of the storm that hit Lena, Illinois, on Friday.
Officials in Wisconsin and Minnesota echoed those sentiments.
A tornado tore through Kronenwetter and Ringle in central Wisconsin on Friday afternoon, leaving damaged homes and some residents briefly trapped in their basements, Ringle Fire Chief Chris Kielman told reporters.
Marathon County Sheriff Chad Billeb noted the extensive damage, stating, A lot of people are going to need a lot of help.”
Recovery from the storm will take a long time, according to state representative Brent Jacobson.
In Olmsted County, Minnesota, tornadoes caused significant damage with at least 30 homes affected in Marion Township.
Personnel from local emergency services conducted door-to-door checks for residents in need of assistance.
The National Weather Service is set to survey the affected areas over the weekend.
In Illinois, a local high school witnessed chaos as students evacuated during the storm, some scared and panicking.
Photos and videos highlight the destruction, with garage demolitions and damaged buildings.
Lena, Illinois, a small village, experienced dramatic impacts from the storm, including uprooted trees and flying debris.
Governor JB Pritzker assured that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is actively responding to the aftermath.
