EF2 tornado in Houston County, Minnesota

This EF2 tornado cut a path across northeast Houston County from around 5 miles southwest of Hokah, through the very southern part of Hokah to the Target Lake area southeast of La Crescent, before crossing the Mississippi River. Near the beginning of the track, significant damage to some residences, barns and farm out buildings occurred. In the same area, numerous 100 foot tall and 3 foot diameter trees were either uprooted or snapped off. Around a mile west of Hokah, 2 barns were significantly damaged and a residence received minor damage. Some minor roof damage and extensive tree damage was done on the south side of the town of Hokah. Tree damage was noted east of Hokah into the Mississippi River. Damages from the tornado were estimated to be almost $250 thousand.

During the afternoon of May 22nd, severe thunderstorms developed along a cold front as it moved through southeast Minnesota. These severe thunderstorms produced two confirmed tornadoes, both of which were rated as EF2. The first tornado moved into Fillmore County from northeast Iowa and the second tornado occurred over eastern Houston County before crossing the Mississippi River into western Wisconsin. The first tornado produced significant damage around Harmony (Fillmore County) where silos were damaged and roofs taken off structures. The second tornado produced damage around Hokah (Houston County) with barns and other farm buildings damaged along with several residences. Around 4,500 customers loss power across Fillmore and Houston Counties. Damages across southeast Minnesota were estimated to be between $400 and $500 thousand.