During the afternoon of May 22nd, severe thunderstorms developed along a cold front as it moved through southeast Minnesota. These severe thunderstorms produced two confirmed tornadoes, both of which were rated as EF2. The first tornado moved into Fillmore County from northeast Iowa and the second tornado occurred over eastern Houston County before crossing the Mississippi River into western Wisconsin. The first tornado produced significant damage around Harmony (Fillmore County) where silos were damaged and roofs taken off structures. The second tornado produced damage around Hokah (Houston County) with barns and other farm buildings damaged along with several residences. Around 4,500 customers loss power across Fillmore and Houston Counties. Damages across southeast Minnesota were estimated to be between $400 and $500 thousand.

Tornado in FILLMORE, MINNESOTA
From 22-MAY-11 14:05:00 to 22-MAY-11 14:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: YORK
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved into Fillmore County, west of Granger, shortly after 2 p.m. and continued to track northeast until dissipating northeast of Harmony. The worst damage from this tornado occurred southwest and west of Harmony where two farm silos were damaged and roofs were taken off structures. Damages were estimated to be around $250 thousand.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOUSTON, MINNESOTA
From 22-MAY-11 14:58:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHELDON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An almost 4 mile long path of wind damage was found between Caledonia and Houston. The damage started in the northern part of Beaver Creek Valley State Park and continued northeast to near the intersection of State Highway 76 and Haute Ridge Road. Numerous trees were blown down in this damage path.

Hail in DODGE, MINNESOTA
From 22-MAY-11 12:53:00 to 22-MAY-11 12:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAYFIELD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in DODGE, MINNESOTA
From 22-MAY-11 13:08:00 to 22-MAY-11 13:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: KASSON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in HOUSTON, MINNESOTA
From 22-MAY-11 15:29:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: CALEDONIA
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Tornado in HOUSTON, MINNESOTA
From 22-MAY-11 15:05:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOUND PRAIRIE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 240.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF2 tornado cut a path across northeast Houston County from around 5 miles southwest of Hokah, through the very southern part of Hokah to the Target Lake area southeast of La Crescent, before crossing the Mississippi River. Near the beginning of the track, significant damage to some residences, barns and farm out buildings occurred. In the same area, numerous 100 foot tall and 3 foot diameter trees were either uprooted or snapped off. Around a mile west of Hokah, 2 barns were significantly damaged and a residence received minor damage. Some minor roof damage and extensive tree damage was done on the south side of the town of Hokah. Tree damage was noted east of Hokah into the Mississippi River. Damages from the tornado were estimated to be almost $250 thousand.