HOMER, Minn. – A tornado on Wednesday night tracked from ridgetops west-northwest of Pickwick, northeast across Homer, and into the Mississippi River, the National Weather Service concluded. The track started near Pleasant Ridge Road and Government Point Road and damaged trees and outbuildings. A narrow path cut through hardwoods to the northeast, where one stand of hardwoods was severely damaged. This is where the tornado appeared to be the strongest. From there, the tornado produced sporadic tree damage in the high EF-0 to low EF-1 category through Homer, ending on an island in the Mississippi River.

Earlier: Tornado touchdown: Trempealeau homes damaged

Peak estimated at 100 mph. Length: 2.4 miles. Maximum width: 40 yards. 8:16 to 8:18 p.m. Green line tracks path. Image: National Weather Service

Rating tornadoes

Meteorologists use the Fujita scale to classify tornadoes:

> EF-0: Weak with winds 65-85 mph.

> EF-1: Moderate, 86-110

>.EF-2: Significant, 111-135.

> EF-3: Severe, 136-165.

> EF-4: Extreme, 166-200.

> EF-5: Catastrophic, 200-plus