Tornadoes Leave Wake of Damage in Olmsted County, Shelter Being Established

Update: Road Closure Announced as Tornado Recovery Continues 

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A preliminary damage assessment indicates the storm that brought tornadoes to Olmsted County Friday afternoon was responsible for damaging dozens of homes. 

Read More: Multiple Tornadoes Reported in the Rochester Area 

That’s according to a news release issued by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Friday night. Photos and videos captured twisters in southern and eastern communities in the county. 

No injuries or fatalities have been reported as of Friday night. 

After the storm, members of the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Rochester Fire Department and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office conducted door-to-door damage assessment. 

Tornadoes Damage More Than 50 Homes in Olmsted County

The sheriff’s office is reporting damaged homes in Marion Township, which is southeast of Rochester, Stewartville and Quincy Township in northeastern Olmsted County. 

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An estimated 30 homes were damaged in Marion Township. 12 of those homes suffered significant damage from the storm, the news release says. 

Electricity and natural gas in that area has been disconnected for safety purposes. Marion Rd. SE was closed throughout most of the afternoon. 

In Stewartville 22 homes were damaged. Eight of those homes were determined to have suffered major damage while the other 14 were minorly damaged. 

The sheriff’s office says 15 Stewartville residents have been displaced by the storm. They’re all staying with family and friends. 

Two families were displaced in Quincy Township. The news release says a home was damaged and a shed was severely damaged in the storm. 

Shelter Established in Rochester

The impacted families are staying with family and friends, according to the news release. 

Olmsted County Public Health, Rochester Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross are setting up a temporary shelter in Rochester for displaced residents.

The sheriff’s office estimates 30-50 people could use it. 

Damage Assessment Requested, Disaster Declared

Olmsted County residents are also asked to conduct a preliminary damage assessment.

Anyone who has damage from the storm is asked to submit it on the county’s website or by emailing sheriffweb@olmstedcounty.gov. 

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has issued a disaster declaration. The sheriff’s office says no volunteers or assistance is needed as of Friday night.