Thunderstorm Wind in Rice County, Minnesota

There was significant wind damage from a downburst that expanded in width as it traveled northeast. By the time it stopped producing damage, it was 8 wide on either side of Nerstrand. The damage began east-southeast of Morristown (near the Rice, Waseca, and Steele County line), moved across the south side of Faribault, and northeast to near the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and then Nerstrand. The damage path became more isolated as it exited eastern Rice county.

Numerous trees, power lines, roofs, and pole barns were damaged along this path. In addition, nine semi trucks were blown over on I-35 south of Faribault due to straight-line winds. Just over $1 Million dollars in damages were to public infrastructure, with remaining damages to houses, farms, and vehicles.

A line of thunderstorms developed late Tuesday morning across southwest Minnesota and quickly moved eastward over southern Minnesota, and into west central Wisconsin by mid afternoon. One severe storm became severe near Waldorf and caused sporadic wind damage across rural Waseca County.

Another strong storm became severe east of Mankato as strong wind shear and ample elevated instability produced large hail near Cannon Falls. There were numerous reports of small hail from northeast of Mankato, through Faribault and the Red Wing area. The largest hail stone fell near Northfield and was measured at 1.50 inches in diameter.

There was also significant damage to areas southwest, south and southeast of the city of Faribault. Damage included numerous trees down, power lines down, power line poles sheared off, trees on power lines, roofs partially off houses, some sheds, pole barns destroyed and pieces blown over long distances. In addition to the wind damage, straight-line winds caused 9 semi trucks to be blown over on I-35, just south of Faribault.