High winds damage S Minn. trees, small buildings
by Martin Moylan, Minnesota Public RadioST. PAUL, Minn. — High wind, approaching nearly 60 mph, caused moderate damage throughout southern Minnesota last night.
The National Weather Service says winds ripped the tops off trees and tore shingles from roofs. The NWS is also checking a citizen's report of a possible tornado touchdown near Mankato.
Le Sueur County Sheriff Tom Doherty said some of the media reports about the storm damage appear to be overblown.
"As far of the roofs being blown off all over the city of Elysian and the Elysian area, I don't know that is the case," Doherty said. "I think we have some moderate damage, trees knocked down, maybe some small sheds and things of that nature. But I'm not seeing the severe damage that people are talking about."
The National Weather Service said it is looking into the reports of roofs being blown off.
