Rochester-area tornadoes trigger damage and outages in SE Minnesota

Severe thunderstorms Friday produced multiple tornadoes in southeast Minnesota, with confirmed touchdowns south and east of Rochester including near Marion and near Plainview. The storms damaged homes and businesses, ripped siding and roofs, and downed trees that blocked roads; thousands lost power, notably more than 3,200 People’s Energy Cooperative customers in Stewartville, Marion and Plainview areas. Rochester roads, including a large stretch of Marion Road, were closed as crews assessed damage. Rochester Public Schools activated safety protocols for students. A tornado watch remained in effect for much of southern Minnesota into the evening.