Tornado strikes Duluth area in northeastern Minnesota on Thursday
- A tornado touched down near Cotton, Minnesota, with wind speeds estimated at 80-90 mph.
- Damage reports indicate that shingles were ripped off homes in the area.
- The National Weather Service is surveying the damage and will provide further updates by Friday evening.
On Thursday evening, a tornado was confirmed in the Arrowhead Region of northeastern Minnesota, specifically near Cotton, which is approximately 45 minutes northwest of Duluth. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth is currently conducting a damage assessment in the affected areas. Preliminary findings indicate that the tornado had wind speeds estimated between 80-90 mph, leading to its classification as a high-end EF0 to low-end EF1 tornado. Damage reports from Cotton reveal that shingles were torn off several homes, indicating the tornado's impact on residential structures. Additionally, videos captured from a location north of Duluth showed clouds swirling ominously, likely associated with the same storm system that produced the tornado. This visual evidence underscores the severity of the weather conditions experienced in the region. The NWS is actively working to gather more information regarding the tornado's path and the extent of the damage caused. As the situation develops, further updates are expected to be released by Friday evening, providing the public with a clearer understanding of the tornado's impact. The occurrence of this tornado highlights the unpredictable nature of severe weather in the region, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and timely weather alerts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as assessments continue and recovery efforts begin.