BRAINERD — Four tornadoes were produced as severe storms slashed through the lakes area Wednesday, June 12.
The National Weather Service issued a preliminary damage survey report Friday,
finding four tornadoes touched down
as part of this line of storms. The strongest and largest tornado with the highest winds was on Clamshell Lake and the Rabbit Lake tornado was second with its wind strength and width and stayed on the ground for 13 miles.
Contributed / National Weather Service
Tornadoes are ranked by the National Weather Service on an enhanced Fujita scale, EF-0 to EF-5, that estimages wind based on damage, which looks at 28 damage indicators. An EF-0 is the smallest ranking with wing gusts of 65-85 mph while the devastating EF-5 has wind speeds more than 200 mph. No injuries or deaths were reported.
In looking at
the damage from Wednesday’s storm
, the weather service’s preliminary report found with tornadoes noted by time:
6:18-6:23 p.m. Whitefish Lake/Clamshell Lake tornado in Crow Wing County, rated a EF-2, with estimated peak wind speeds of 120 mph, had a 3.2 mile path and a maximum width of 700 yards.
6:42-6:54 p.m. Wright/Cromwell in Carlton County tornado was rated an EF-0 with estimated peak winds of 80 mph. Its path was 7.8 miles long and its maximum width was 50 yards wide.
6:45-7:05 p.m. tornado in Rabbit Lake in Crow Wing County moving to Cedar Lake/Hammal Lake in Aitkin County, was on the ground for 13.1 miles and its maximum width was 200 yards wide. It had estimated peak winds of 115 mph and was rated an EF-2.
7:25-7:29 p.m. a tornado touched down south of Glen in Aitkin County with estimated peak winds of 65 mph. It was ranked an EF-0, was 1.6 miles long and maximum width was 20 yards.
National Weather Service preliminary report
In its report, the weather service noted numerous severe thunderstorms moved across north-central and northeast Minnesota Wednesday, producing large hail to the size of baseballs, isolated thunderstorm wind damage, and several tornadoes.
“Two distinct supercellular storms produced four tornadoes (rated EF-0 to EF-2) across portions of Crow Wing, Aitkin, and Carlton Counties between roughly 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The supercell that tracked through Crow Wing and Aitkin County produced three separate tornadoes, first on/near Upper Whitefish Lake across to Clamshell Lake where a wide, sharp path of damage was found,” the weather service stated in an overview of the storms.
A tree ripped up by the roots leans on a cabin Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado moved through the area near Jenkins the day before.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
The Clamshell Lake tornado dissipated. A second tornado formed west of Rabbit Lake.
“This second tornado appeared to have a mainly continuous path of damage from Rabbit Lake to Cedar Lake and Hammal Lake,” the weather service reported. “There may have been a break in this tornado as it traveled across the Crow Wing State Forest, but a combination of storm chaser and spotter video as well as ground surveys seemed to indicate a mainly consistent path of damage.”
A supercell storm contains updrafts that rotate about a vertical axis and people may note having seen such a tall storm with an anvil top that stretches across the sky. The National Weather Service notes supercell storms are the least common thunderstorm but have a high tendency of producing severe weather with very large hail and weak to violent tornadoes.
As the Wednesday super cell moved through the area it later created “a weak, wispy tornado with no known damage near Glen.”
A separate supercell briefly created a weak tornado in northwest Carlton County.
The National Weather Service reported the first tornado developed over Upper Whitefish Lake and looking at damage, the tornado appears to have touched down on land before crossing the lake and then traveled southeast toward Pelican Lake.
Where the tornadoes started
Damage to homes and forest along Old Whiskey Road and Rutger Road (Tip Top Point) and across Bertha and Clamshell Lake toward the eastern reach of Whitefish Golf Club’s holes.
The weather service reported the “damage path was the widest near Old Whiskey and Rutger Road, around 700 yards across, with tree damage even identified on the island to the north of Old Whiskey Road. Over 80% of trees were uprooted or snapped near the base, and numerous homes showed minor to major roof damage. The worst of the roof damage was several homes which had over 50% of the roof deck uplifted and removed.”
Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township.
Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
Homeowners, the weather service stated, reported a nearly hour-long storm surge of 1 to 2 feet from Upper Whitefish Lake. Photographs and video footage from private individuals and businesses show twisted, damaged and overthrown boat lifts, overturned boats and damage to buildings.
Damage in Ideal Township.
Courtesy / Crow Wing County Drone Team
Drone video from the Crow Wing County Drone Team shows roof damage, building damage with a demolished boat house on Clamshell Lake, and uprooted trees. The weather service report noted a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter found sporadic tornadic tree damage south of County Highway 16 near Clear Lake.
The Rabbit Lake tornado developed near Wolford and was produced from the same supercell storm that created the Whitefish/Clamshell tornado.
The damage path of snapped and uprooted trees appears to start along County Highway 30 south of County Highway 11 and the Mississippi River. The tornado traveled east-southeast across Rabbit Lake, just north of Cuyuna, and then toward Highway 210.
“Damage along the western shore of Rabbit Lake affected private residences with a RV flipped over, roof covering material partially removed, and numerous trees snapped which lead to secondary home damage, including several collapsed out-buildings and garage,” the weather service reported, noting the tornado crossed Highway 210 where it
continued to damage trees and where it was captured on livestreaming storm chaser video footage
.
The tornado took a southeastward path across portions of western Cedar Lake with extensive tree damage and what the weather service described as pockets of residential damage to roofs and garages. The tornado picked up a fish house and threw it nearly 100 yards.
“This is the area of low-end EF-2 damage,” the weather service reported. “The tornado path then became more eastward as it neared the end of its lifecycle, with final damage found on Hammal Lake, where localized pockets of extensive tree damage were located, and one three-season cabin and boat house were completely destroyed and partially thrown into the water.”
1/68: Karter Mason makes his way through storm debris that he and his family were working to clear from their driveway Thursday, June 13, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
2/68: Dogs Charlie and Lucy look around the area where the boathouse had been Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado hit the Jenkins area the day before. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
3/68: Ryan Mason clears trees from the driveway Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado hit the area near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
4/68: Storm damage in the form of glass shattered from the outer panes of a sliding door and pine trees on the roof is seenThursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado move through the area near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
5/68: The wreckage of a boathouse and its contents are strewn across the yard Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado hit the area near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
6/68: A tree ripped up by the roots leans on a cabin Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado moved through the area near Jenkins the day before. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
7/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a tornado moved throught the area near Jenkins the day before. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
8/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
9/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
10/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
11/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
12/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
13/68: A hole is visible in the roof of Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s garage Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township after tornadoes swept through the area the previous night. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
14/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
15/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
16/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
17/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
18/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
19/68: Storm damage seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, on Old Whiskey Road in Ideal Township. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
20/68: A Salvation Army Disaster Services truck was parked Thursady, June 13, 2024, at the Crosslake Fire Department to provide food and water for crews working on storm cleanup. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
21/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
22/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
23/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
24/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
25/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
26/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
27/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
28/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
29/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
30/68: Storm damage is seen Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Bruce and Kathy Carlson’s house on Old Whiskey Road near Bertha Lake in Ideal Township. Caroline Julstrom / Brainerd Dispatch
31/68: This photo was taken in northern Crow Wing County on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Travis G. Grimler / PineandLakes Echo Journal
32/68: An overturned boat and lift rests next to a dock on Rabbit Lake on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Contributed / Chelsey Perkins
33/68: Trees are down near a trailer near Rabbit Lake on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Contributed / Chelsey Perkins
34/68: A large pine tree is ripped apart at the truck in Cuyuna. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
35/68: Emergency personnel work to make Timber Lane passable after a storm downed many trees Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
36/68: An Ideal Fire and Rescue truck assists along County Road 16 and South Clamshell Drive after a severe storm toppled trees and downed power lines Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
37/68: Storm downed trees, some snapped, some sawed away, line South Clamshell Drive on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
38/68: Storm damage is seen Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
39/68: People work to clear downed trees Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
40/68: A power employee works on reconnecting power after a major storm Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
41/68: Crow Wing Power works on reconnecting electricity after a major storm Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
42/68: Crow Wing Power works on reconnecting electricity after a major storm Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
43/68: A drone is readied for use after a storm caused extensive damage Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
44/68: A family staying at the Towering Pines Resort walk past storm downed trees while checking out what damage the storm left behind Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
45/68: A family staying at the Towering Pines Resort walk past storm downed trees while checking out what damage the storm left behind Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
46/68: A family staying at the Towering Pines Resort walk past storm downed trees while checking out what damage the storm left behind Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
47/68: Damage from the storm is visible Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
48/68: Brian Roske and his grandsons Mason Roske, left, and Luke Roske look at the downed trees caused by severe weather Wednesday, June 12, 2024, where they were staying at Towering Pines Resort near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
49/68: Damage from the storm is visible along County Road 16 on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
50/68: Storm damage is seen on the corner of South Clamshell Drive and County Road 16 on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
51/68: Downed power line from the storm Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
52/68: A mailbox is bent askew after a severe storm hit the area Wednesday, June 12, 2024, near Jenkins. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
53/68: Storm clouds roll in Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
54/68: The American Flag and the Minnesota Flag fly in the wind as storms roll in Wednesday, June 12, 2024, on North Long Lake. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
55/68: Storm clouds roll in Wednesday, June 12, 2024, over North Long Lake. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
56/68: Storm clouds roll in Wednesday, June 12, 2024, on Hole-in-the-Day Bay. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
57/68: Storm clouds roll in Wednesday, June 12, 2024, on Hole-in-the-Day Bay. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
58/68: A storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
59/68: Sam Henrichs assesses the damage after a storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
60/68: The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office posted this photo on social media of an overturned RV from the storms on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Contributed
61/68: A member of the Cuyuna Fire Department clearing trees on a road after a storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
62/68: Dawson Decent helps clear a tree after a storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
63/68: Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang assesses the damage on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
64/68: Cuyuna Police Chief Jessie Smith’s vheicle on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
65/68: Cuyuna Police Chief Jessie Smith’s vheicle on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
66/68: A storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
67/68: A storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
68/68: A storm hit Cuyuna on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
Crow Wing County temporarily closed the Milford Mine Memorial Park due to downed trees but posted a note Thursday night that debris was cleared and the park was once again open from dawn to dusk.
Friday night, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office shut down its command operations at the Crosslake Fire Department, stating all roads were clear and power restored to all but a handful of locations, mainly from those needing local electricians to finish residential hook ups.
Contributed / National Weather Service
Next weather to watch for — flash flooding with heavy rain
A flash flood watch is in effect Monday through Wednesday across the region with an extended period of moderate to heavy rain in the forecast. Widespread rain amounts of 2-3 inches or more is expected by Tuesday night.
And there is a chance for more severe weather. The National Weather Service in Duluth reported isolated to scattered severe storms are possible with primary hazards of hail and damaging winds, noting a tornado can’t be ruled out.
For the Brainerd area, the probability of rain was 85-90% starting at 6 a.m. Monday and continuing into Tuesday with the potential for rain dropping to 65% by midnight.
The seven-county area had a 40-70% chance of flash flooding.
Contributed / National Weather Service
From the Brainerd lakes area to the Iron Range and southeast, the weather service reported a 15-30% chance for 3 inches of rain in 24 hours. For historic context, the weather service noted this is the first moderate level (Level 3 of 5) excessive rainfall outlook in four years.
Expect a hot Tuesday with temperatures in the mid-80s and increasing humidity.
Renee Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchBizBuzz.
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