Tornados sighted in northern Minnesota

by Jessica Mador, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — The National Weather Service is reporting tornado touchdowns in the northwest and north central part of the state this afternoon.

Law enforcement officials confirmed touchdowns in Mahnomen County, near Detroit Lakes.

Darwin Lusty from the Detroit Lakes Minnesota State Patrol says officers have been out following developments in the weather.

"We had visual contact by troopers and deputy sheriffs in Mahnomen County. They were following along on the ground watching it. It would be on the ground, then it would go back up. But no reports of any major damage yet that we know of," said Lusty.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for western and central Minnesota until 10 p.m.