Midwest Cleanup After Widespread Tornadoes and Severe Storms

Communities across the Upper Midwest began cleanup after severe storms and tornadoes tracked on Friday, with the National Weather Service reporting roughly 20 to 66 tornado reports across multiple states.

Forecasters said ongoing showers and thunderstorms on Sunday could prolong flooding risks in the Great Lakes region and follow a cold front that left roughly 38 million under a freeze warning and roughly 32 million under a freeze watch.

Sheriffs and the National Weather Service described significant damage in communities including Lena, Rochester and parts of Wisconsin, officials said, and the American Red Cross of Wisconsin and local agencies set up shelters and began door-to-door checks.

Damage estimates included about 30 homes damaged in Marion Township with around a dozen significantly damaged, at least 20 homes damaged in Stewartville, and about 75 homes destroyed in one Marathon County town, officials and local fire chiefs said.

Roughly 43,000 to over 70,000 customers lost power in the region before most service was restored by Saturday evening, and forecasters warned of fire-weather risks and possible thunderstorms in parts of the Plains and Texas, including on Monday.