A confirmed tornado touched down in Stevens County, Minnesota, on Friday evening, triggering emergency alerts and prompting local authorities to urge residents to seek immediate shelter. The storm system, which moved through the area near Artichoke shortly before 8:00 p.m., was accompanied by reports of large hail and severe lightning.
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Storm Impact and Ongoing Assessment
While official assessments regarding the intensity and classification of the tornado are still pending, reports from the field indicate that the storm caused damage to power poles and electrical lines. Social media users documented the event with footage showing the funnel cloud moving across fields, alongside images of significant lightning activity and large hailstones, which were reported to be the size of golf balls.
The tornado was observed in the vicinity of Alberta and Hancock, with reports suggesting it remained on the ground for several minutes. As of the latest updates from local officials, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or widespread property destruction, though emergency teams continue to monitor the situation in the darkness.
The incident occurred as part of a broader severe weather event affecting the region. A
