Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Duluth, MN
Issued by NWS Duluth, MN
153 NOUS43 KDLH 142008 PNSDLH MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-150815- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Duluth MN 308 PM CDT Fri Jun 14 2024 ...NWS Damage Survey for 06/12/2024 Tornado Event... .Overview... Numerous severe thunderstorms moved across north-central and northeast Minnesota on the evening of June 12, 2024, 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 PM and 7:30 PM. 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. This tornado dissipated, with a second tornado forming west of Rabbit Lake (north of Crosby). This second tornado appeared to have a mainly continuous path of damage from Rabbit Lake to Cedar Lake and Hammal Lake. 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. This supercell then later produced a weak, wispy tornado with no known damage near Glen, MN, with the particular length of this tornado unknown due to limited access in this area. While this supercell was ongoing, a separate supercell briefly produced a weak tornado in northwest Carlton County where mainly minor tree damage (large branches, a few trees snapped) was observed north of Wright, MN. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and NWS Duluth had a Tornado Warning in effect for these storms for the duration of time they produced tornadoes. This information is preliminary in nature and will likely be revised as we continue to review additional reports, images, and videos. NWS Duluth sincerely appreciates the coordination of our state and local partners including Emergency Management and Sheriff Departments at Carlton, Aitkin, and Crow Wing Counties as well as the Minnesota State Patrol. We also sincerely appreciate the images and video shared with us by our local media partners. ..Tornado #1 Whitefish Lake/Clamshell Lake... Rating: EF2 Estimated Peak Wind: 120 mph Path Length /statute/: 3.2005 miles Path Width /maximum/: 700.0 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 06/12/2024 Start Time: 06:18 PM CDT Start Location: 4 NE Jenkins / Crow Wing County / MN Start Lat/Lon: 46.6901 / -94.2572 End Date: 06/12/2024 End Time: 06:23 PM CDT End Location: 3 N Breezy Point / Crow Wing County / MN End Lat/Lon: 46.6519 / -94.2204 Survey Summary: Tornado developed over Upper Whitefish Lake (no tornadic damage found or reported on the northwestern shore indicating the tornado touched down on land before crossing the lake) and traveled southeast towards Pelican Lake. Extensive damage to private residences and forest along Old Whiskey Road and Rutger Rd (referred to by locals as Tip Top Point) and across Bertha and Clamshell Lake towards the far eastern reach of Whitefish Golf Clubs holes. 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. Homeowners also reported a nearly hour-long storm surge of 1 to 2 feet from Upper Whitefish Lake. Minnesota State Patrol helicopter footage shows some scattered tornadic tree damage south of County Road 16 near Clear Lake before no additional damage has been found or reported. No fatalities or injuries reported. ..Tornado #2 - Rabbit Lake to Cedar Lake/Hammal Lake... Rating: EF2 Estimated Peak Wind: 115 mph Path Length /statute/: 13.0833 miles Path Width /maximum/: 200.0 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 06/12/2024 Start Time: 06:45 PM CDT Start Location: 1 W Wolford / Crow Wing County / MN Start Lat/Lon: 46.5473 / -93.9912 End Date: 06/12/2024 End Time: 07:05 PM CDT End Location: 3 SSW Aitkin / Aitkin County / MN End Lat/Lon: 46.4881 / -93.7418 Survey Summary: A tornado redeveloped near Wolford, from the same storm that produced the first tornado near Crosslake. Initial damage located along County Road 30, south of County Highway 11/Mississippi River, mostly trees snapped and uprooted. Tornado continued east- southeast across Rabbit Lake just north of Cuyuna and then towards 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 garages. The tornado crossed Highway 210 near mile marker 145, as evidenced by both tree damage and storm chaser footage. It then took a southeastward path across portions of western Cedar Lake, producing extensive tree damage and pockets of residential property damage to roofs and garages, including a fish house that was picked up and thrown nearly 100 yards. This is the area of low-end EF-2 damage. 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. .Tornado #3 - Glen... Rating: EF0 Estimated Peak Wind: 65 mph Path Length /statute/: 1.5935000000000001 miles Path Width /maximum/: 20.0 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 06/12/2024 Start Time: 07:25 PM CDT Start Location: 1 SSW Glen / Aitkin County / MN Start Lat/Lon: 46.4001 / -93.5293 End Date: 06/12/2024 End Time: 07:29 PM CDT End Location: 2 SSE Glen / Aitkin County / MN End Lat/Lon: 46.3871 / -93.5016 Survey Summary: A tornado developed near Glen, MN. Storm chaser and spotter video depict a wispy tornado with no debris visible. Due to the rural and forested nature of this damage and no reports of damage, a ground survey has not been completed. This tornado rating and details may be updated in the future as additional aerial imagery becomes available. ..Tornado #4 - Wright/Cromwell... Rating: EF0 Estimated Peak Wind: 80 mph Path Length /statute/: 7.8067 miles Path Width /maximum/: 50.0 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 06/12/2024 Start Time: 06:42 PM CDT Start Location: 4 NW Wright / Carlton County / MN Start Lat/Lon: 46.7235 / -93.0607 End Date: 06/14/2024 End Time: 06:54 PM CDT End Location: 2 W Cromwell / Carlton County / MN End Lat/Lon: 46.6778 / -92.9159 Survey Summary: Tornado developed on or near the Aitkin/Carlton County line and traveled southeast towards Highway 210 between Wright and Cromwell. Minor tree damage was noted on West Road near the start of the tornado path, with a broad area of large branches down and a few trees snapped towards the top. The tornado then traveled across a mainly marsh/bog landscape, crossing Center Road where power lines were damaged and widespread tree damage was noted along a 50 yard stretch of road. The tornado track continued on a southeast to east-southeast path, with the last signs of damage near to just south of Highway 210 near Woodbury Lake where a few clusters of tree damage were noted. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and property damage was very limited, with only a handful of homes/buildings impacted. && EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories: EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph EF2...Strong....111 to 135 mph EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph EF5...Violent...>200 mph NOTE: The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the events and publication in NWS Storm Data. $$ JJM