TAOPI, Minn. – Winds that leveled much of this southeast Minnesota village were tornadic with gusts exceeding 111 mph and perhaps approaching 135, according to the National Weather Service. The conclusion, although preliminary, was from an agency field team. Some homes and buildings were destroyed. Others suffered damage so severe that they will need to be demolished. Two people had non-life threatening injuries.
Radar’s red spots. Touchdowns at Taopi and Spring Valley were in intense storms just north of the Iowa border. Image: National Weather Service
Rating tornadoes
Meteorologists use the Enhanced Fujita scale since 2007to classify tornadoes:
> EF0: Weak with winds 65-85 mph.
> EF1: Moderate, 86-110.
> EF2: Significant, 111-135.
> EF3: Severe, 136-165.
> EF4: Extreme, 166-200.
> EF5: Catastrophic, 200-plus.