16 Tornadoes Touched Down In MN During ‘Historic’ Storm: NWS

MINNESOTA — Minnesota was hit by more than a dozen tornadoes during a "historic" storm Dec. 15, according to the National Weather Service.

As of Tuesday, the National Weather Service confirmed 16 tornadoes touched down in Minnesota during a “serial derecho.” The twisters were the first ever recorded in the state during December.

Eleven of the confirmed tornadoes were classified as EF-1 with winds between 86 mph and 110 mph. The Enhanced Fujita Scale runs from 0 to 5 and is based on estimated wind speeds and the severity of damage.

An EF-2 tornado touched down near Hartland in Freeborn County, creating winds of up to 115 mph, according to the NWS.

Yesterday's storm damage survey in Freeborn County found three tornadoes: an EF2 in Hartland as well as two EF1 tornadoes near Alden. For more information see the full report: https://t.co/vfTPrivyiR #mnwx pic.twitter.com/pQ49C9yYbE
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) December 17, 2021

The “historic” Dec. 15 storm “shattered records” for the number of severe weather warnings issued in December, according to the National Weather Service's Twin Cities office.

Confirmed Tornadoes in Minnesota on Dec. 15

• Alden 1: EF-1 (peak winds of 105 mph)
• Alden 2: EF-1 (100 mph)
• Hartland: EF-2 (115 mph)
• Racine: EF-1 (110 mph)
• Sumner: EF-0 (85 mph)
• Preston: EF-0 (80 mph)
• Carrolton: EF-1 (105 mph)
• Arendahl: EF-1 (95 mph)
• Rushford Village: EF-1 (90 mph)
• Plainview: EF-1 (93 mph)
• Money Creek: EF-1 (90 mph)
• Wyattville: EF-0 (85 mph)
• Homer: EF-1 (100 mph)
• Hayward: EF-0 (not available)
• Myrtle: EF-1 (not available)
• London: EF-1 (not available)