Tornadoes tear across northwest Minn.; at least 2 killed, several injured as homes flattened

Tornadoes tear across northwest Minnesota, 2 dead

ALMORA, Minn. — Authorities in Minnesota say two people are dead after a series tornadoes raked across the northwest part of the state.

Otter Tail County Emergency spokesman says an elderly woman was killed when a tornado destroyed her home in Almora, a town of about 20 people.

The Polk County sheriff’s department says a man was killed when a twister destroyed a gas station in Mentor. Three other people were injured.

Heavy damage also has been reported in Wadena. The mayor’s wife, Lori Wolden says houses are “half-gone” and no trees are left in the southwest part of the town of 4,300 people.

(This version CORRECTS Wadena population to 4,300 instead of 4,000.)