Part of Marion Rd. SE Closed as Tornado Recovery Work Continues Near Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Tornado recovery efforts are continuing Saturday in southeast Minnesota. 

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A severe storm spawned numerous tornadoes across the Rochester area on Friday afternoon. No injuries or fatalities have been reported as of Saturday morning.

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office estimates more than 50 homes suffered storm damage in Marion and Quincy Townships and in northeastern Stewartville. 

Read More: Tornadoes Leave Wake of Destruction in Olmsted County 

An emergency shelter was set up in Rochester for displaced residents, however family and friends stepped up to take in displaced residents, leading the shelter to close, according to Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson.

“The response has been nothing but stellar by the community,” Torgerson said. 

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Part of Marion Rd. SE Near Rochester to Close Saturday for Utility Recovery

Electricity and natural gas connections were shut off in the damaged areas along Marion Rd. SE on Friday for safety of recovery efforts. 

A news release issued on Saturday by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office says part of Marion Rd. SE will be closed for the day on Saturday for utility recovery. 

The closure spans from Vine Place SE to Walnut St SE. 

Storm Survey Teams Respond to Southeast Minnesota

Storm survey teams from the National Weather Service will be in southeast Minnesota on Saturday.

Results from their survey will be available in the coming days. 

Preliminary reports submitted to the weather service indicate at least five tornadoes were spotted on Friday. 

One was in Sargent, which is due west of Stewartville. Two were reported along Hwy. 63 between Stewartville and Rochester and two more were spotted in Plainview and Elgin. 

Damage Assessments Sought

Anyone with storm damage is being asked to complete a preliminary damage assessment.

Reports can be submitted through the Olmsted County website or to the Sheriff's Office email.

The Olmsted County Board has issued a disaster declaration due to the major damage caused by tornadoes Friday.