EF3 Tornado — Anoka, Minnesota

2008-05-25 · near Centerville, Anoka, Minnesota

Event narrative

The tornado touched down on the eastern side of Lino Lakes, at the eastern shore of Peltier Lake. The tornado felled trees and lifted boat docks, then tracked east and crossed Interstate 35E. As this occurred, a few barns, grain bins, and silos were damaged. The tornado then intensified as it moved into northwestern Washington County and a subdivision (Creekview Preserve), about two miles north of downtown Hugo. It was at this point (around 16:01), that the twister caused EF-3 damage. The tornado dissipated in the eastern portion of Hugo, just north of Irish Avenue and 140th Street. Seven hundred and ninety four homes, including mobile homes, were affected by the storm in some way. A total of 91 homes sustained minor structural damage, numerous broken windows, and damage to small sections of roof. Twenty seven homes were destroyed, totally collapsed, or not economically feasible to repair. A two year old boy in Washington County (see corresponding entry) died after being blown out of the first floor of his home in Creekview Preserve. A 62 year old woman in Washington County died an indirect death due to a heart attack during cleanup in Hugo a few days later. Some important information provided by the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, and other local newspapers.

Wider weather episode

A cold front was the catalyst for numerous reports of severe weather on this date.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (45.1800, -93.0530)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 107670. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.