Multiple funnel clouds and tornadoes ripped across wide swaths of the Midwest and Great Lakes on Friday, leaving neighborhoods in pieces and putting millions at risk of more severe weather into the weekend.
What happened
– Southeast Rochester, Minnesota: An EF2 tornado with peak winds up to about 125 mph tore through a neighborhood. Video captured by resident Troy Holmberg showed the twister moving through homes; more than a dozen houses were damaged or destroyed. Officials reported no serious injuries, but many families face power outages and water shortages because many rely on wells that need electricity to run.
– Illinois: A large tornado knocked out power in the village of Lena and caused extensive damage across parts of the state.
– Broader impact: Storm systems across the Plains into the Great Lakes generated roughly 800 damaging storm reports, including dozens of confirmed tornadoes and episodes of dangerous flooding. Recovery crews and neighbors began clearing debris and assessing damage; local residents warned rebuilding could take a long time.
Voices on the ground
– Reporters on scene described neighborhoods as “organized chaos” as families and recovery teams sorted through debris. Residents emphasized community support but noted the long road ahead to restore homes and utilities.
The forecast and hazards (from CBS meteorologist Andrew Kozak)
– Continued threat: Millions remain under the threat of severe weather into Saturday, with a tornado risk extending from parts of Tennessee north to New York. More severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes are expected as the system progresses.
– Fire and smoke concerns: Large areas of the Southeast are unusually dry for this time of year, producing drought conditions and heightened wildfire risk. Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas are seeing significant dryness; fire-weather alerts were issued for Sunday in parts of the Southeast and Midwest. Dry soils, low humidity and gusty winds are contributing to the danger.
– Regional differences: The Northeast is forecast to see showers overnight and into Sunday with a cooler air mass moving in, while the Southeast looks to remain mostly dry but very fire-prone. The Midwest will grapple with both severe storms and elevated fire risk where humidity is low.
– Practical impacts: Besides wind and water damage, power outages can lead to loss of electric well pumps, cutting off household water. Officials urged caution, preparedness for outages, and attention to local warnings.
Key takeaways
– A significant, fast-moving severe-weather outbreak produced damaging tornadoes and flooding across the Midwest and Great Lakes on Friday. Communities such as Southeast Rochester are beginning cleanup and recovery; many residents face long-term rebuilding.
– The storm threat continues into Saturday across a broad corridor from the Tennessee Valley into the Northeast, with tornadoes and damaging winds a primary concern.
– Separately, drought conditions in the Southeast have elevated wildfire potential; fire-weather alerts and smoke impacts are possible through the weekend.
– Stay informed through local emergency services and official weather sources, follow tornado and severe-weather warnings, and be ready for power or water interruptions in affected areas.
Reported by Jonah Kaplan in Rochester, Minnesota; meteorologist Andrew Kozak provided the forecast; coverage on CBS News with Jericka Duncan.