“Weak” tornado confirmed in Houston County from July 23 storms

The National Weather Service (NWS) La Crosse confirmed that a “weak” tornado hit in rural Houston County on Saturday.

The tornado hit at 3:01 p.m. and lasted 5 minutes.

It ran between Money Creek and Houston in the Paradise Valley area, NWS said.

Peak winds were 81 mph. Its path was 45 yard wide and it ran 4.45 miles.

The only structure damage noted was a barn, while mainly trees were downed.

The weather service noted other damage between Houston and Hokah, Minn. — along Highway 16 was likely wind damage — as was damage to the Calmar and Waukon, Iowa areas.

Power was down for 12 hours in the Valley High area. Crews worked into the next morning, restoring power to the area at 3 a.m., in the midst of lighting and rain, during another round of thunderstorms.

A preliminary event summary page has been started and can be seen here.