Power Outage in Wadena, MN

This tornado was wrapped in damaging downburst winds and rain as it rapidly tracked to the north northeast from the Todd County line, across far southeast Wadena County for about 9.5 miles, to the Cass County line. It snapped numerous single pole and double X-braced power poles. it tumbled at least three center pivot irrigation systems. Numerous oak, ash, and pine trees were snapped. The Old Wadena and Bullard Campgrounds had swaths of pine trees laid down. One cabin had the roof and sidewalls torn out. Peak winds to 130 mph. Time estimated based on radar.

This tornado crossed from far northwest Todd County around 7:52 pm, about 2.5 miles southwest of Verndale, MN. It tracked to the north until 8:11 pm where it lifted 5.5 miles east southeast of Sebeka, MN. It caused extreme damage which included numerous snapped power poles and numerous trees which were snapped or uprooted. Extensive damage was noted to farm buildings which had steel roofing and sidewall panels torn off, and turnkey barns and other industrial buildings lost roofing material. Peak winds estimated to 115 mph, with a maximum width of 500 yards.

A power pole was snapped.

The tornado snapped several oak, pine, and poplar trees along its intermittent path. It also cracked or snapped at least two power poles, shifted a barn off its foundation, and peeled siding and roofing off a couple of homes and farm buildings along its path. Peak winds were estimated at 95 mph.

Several large six to eight inch diameter tree limbs were broken down. Brief power outages were reported around the city.

Power poles and trees were blown down near Sebeka and Nimrod.

Several large 3 to 5 inch tree branches were blown down around town, which resulted in scattered power outages.

Trees were blown down all around Wadena. Trees fell on buildings, cars, and power lines. A church under construction lost its roof and a wall collapsed. The strong winds slammed a man into a wall. The man went to the emergency room, but suffered no major injuries.

Large trees were uprooted and power poles snapped. Widespread power outages were reported.

Power lines were blown down.

A Colorado Low moved into the Central Plains during the evening of November 17th, eventually tracking through central Iowa and into western Wisconsin on the 18th. This set up a strong southwest to northeast temperature gradient and even resulted in a few strong thunderstorms over southern Minnesota. Six to fifteen inches of snow fell over the area, with the highest totals over Hubbard and eastern Becker counties. In combination with very gusty north winds, low visibilities developed. Several vehicles slid into ditches and a few schools closed for the day. The heavy snow also caused trees to snap, resulting in scattered power outages.