Tornadoes, severe storms hit Wisconsin and Minnesota
Severe storms have left residents reeling in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Authorities say a tornado struck Michigan's western Upper Peninsula during an overnight storm that downed trees and caused power outages and flooding.
The National Weather Service confirmed Tuesday a low-end EF1 tornado struck 3 miles south of the Gogebic County community of Bessemer. Winds were estimated around 90 mph.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in eight counties after heavy rains caused flooding, power outages and damage to roads and bridges. Walker declared the emergency Tuesday following overnight rains. The counties included in the declaration are Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Washburn.
Walker said he was instructing the Wisconsin National Guard and all state agencies to help those affected by the storms.
Some area homes were being evacuated Tuesday afternoon.
In Minnesota, several central counties reported serious damage after tornadoes moved through the area Monday evening, CBS Minnesota affiliate WCCO reported.
The area saw two confirmed tornadoes, with Watkins and Litchfield being hit the hardest. There were no reported injuries.
"All the sudden there were things blowing all over," said one resident of the assisted living portion of the Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins, which was evacuated. "There's a side on each door. One would open and shingles would come flying in that door and the other one would open and go flying out that door. I looked and I thought, 'Holy cow, we're in the middle of a tornado.'"
The sheriff and the Litchfield police chief said it was the worst damage they have seen in 10 years.