Devastating storms wreaked havoc in west central Minnesota yesterday. Tornadoes ripped through Morris, Lowry, Forada, Nelson, and Eagle Bend. Homes along Maple Lake in Forada, just south of the  I94 corridor near Alexandria suffered massive damage. Roadways were impassable as crews attended what they called chaotic damage. A second round of straight line winds barely 5 hours later added additional issues. Over 5,000 residents and businesses were without power. Crews continue to work to get the power back on. Law enforcement encourages no travel through these areas as there still might be downed power lines and to allow crews to clear downed trees and debris. 

Several departments aided helping in Forada:  Alex, Osakis, Carlos, Leaf Valley, Kensington, Glenwood, Lowry, Villard and Brooten, North Ambulance, Douglas County Posse, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas county emergency management!