"DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Residents evacuated their homes and animals escaped from their pens at a zoo as floods fed by a steady torrential downpour struck a city in northeastern Minnesota, officials said Wednesday.
By Clint Austin, AP
Flood waters rush past a home and into a street in Duluth, Minn., on Tuesday after heavy rains hit the area.
Flood waters rush past a home and into a street in Duluth, Minn., on Tuesday after heavy rains hit the area.
Police officers helped track down a polar bear that got out of its enclosure overnight at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth.
"Even though it's a large white object, it's pretty nerve racking," police spokesman Jim Hansen said of the chase for Berlin, the female polar bear. Zoo officials said she was darted by the zoo's vet and placed in quarantine.
Several sheep, goats and a donkey were killed by the flooding, said Susan Wolniakowski, director of guest services.
"Sadly the zoo experienced the loss of several animals, among them many of the barnyard residents," the zoo said in a statement.
Peter Pruett, the zoo's director of Animal Management, said the "entire staff is devastated."
Wolniakowski said no animals left the zoo grounds and all have been secured.
"I think it's probably been the worst flooding we've ever had at the zoo," Wolniakowski said. A train depot was completely underwater, she said.
Up to 8 inches of rain fell on the area overnight and the soaking continued Wednesday.
Elsewhere in Duluth, Interstate 35 and downtown tunnels were closed and police and the Carlton County Sheriff's Department recommended emergency travel only, warning that numerous sinkholes and washouts were making driving dangerous.
"It's a mess. There are too many intersections to even list that are closed," Hansen said.
Longtime residents say they haven't seen flooding of this magnitude since 1972.
Authorities asked residents of the Fond du Lac neighborhood in Duluth to leave their homes because of concerns about the rising level of the St. Louis River. Hansen said about a dozen homes were evacuated. Police have received about 100 calls for assistance since early Wednesday, he said.
The University of Minnesota Duluth campus closed Wednesday because of the floods.
Contributing: KARE-TV, Minneapolis
"
Duluth, MN Flood 6-20-12_2_Lincoln Park_Boulders Slammed Together.AVI
Duluth MN Flash Flood 2012: Typical Hillside View
"
Published on Jun 20, 2012 by gonzonomicron
June 2012 flash flooding on the Hillside of Duluth MN. There is not normally a rushing river surrounding my house. Someone told me the last flooding like this was in 1972; if true that would make this a 40-year storm.
"ELYSIAN, Minn. - The National Weather Service says a tornado combined with downburst winds knocked down trees and damaged sheds near Elysian in south-central Minnesota.
The weather service said Tuesday the tornado and winds had a strength of EF0 on the scale that measures tornadic force. Winds reached 80 to 85 mph.
The tornado traveled about seven miles, measured about 100 yards wide and was on the ground for about 10 minutes. Combined with strong downburst winds, the tornado's damage footprint grew as wide as a mile.
Le Sueur County Sheriff Tom Doherty said Tuesday damage was moderate and no one was hurt in the fast-moving storm which hit the north side of Lake Francis about 6:30 p.m. Monday.
The weather service says the storm also tossed boat docks and lifts.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) "
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gov. Mark Dayton has declared a state of emergency for 46 Minnesota counties impacted by spring flooding.
The order Dayton signed Wednesday allows the State Emergency Operations Center to provide immediate help when those counties ask for help. It also directs the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard to order to active duty personnel and equipment to provide assistance in preparing for floods and providing emergency relief services.
Dayton's order comes as many areas along the Crow, Minnesota and Mississippi rivers are expecting a second flood crest, and areas along the Red River and its tributaries in northern Minnesota prepare for another year of record or near-record flooding. "
"Tooks some pictures during my "road-trip" from Morris (Stevens County) to St. Paul (Ramsey County) on a Winter-Spring "melt" afternoon-evening on Friday, March 18th 2011
"NEW ULM, Minn. (WCCO) – The Minnesota River is expected to crest this weekend in New Ulm and city officials are bracing themselves for what could be one of the worst floods in the city’s history.
Last week, the fast flowing Cottonwood River crested, taking part of Cottonwood Road along with it. Not far away, the Minnesota River kept creeping closer to the Johnson family, who live in a row of homes at the lowest point in town.
"We don’t get to see the river until it’s in our backyard, and by that point, it’s too close for comfort,” said Alicia Johnson, who lives near the river with her husband and young son.
For the past week and a half, the city of New Ulm has worked hard to turn her backyard into a towering clay dike.
"As it panned out, we built the dike to sea level of 814 feet, and the river right now is right at 805 feet,” said city manager Brian Gramentz.
Gramentz said crews got a head start on the waters by bracing themselves for the worst, just in case.
"Probably over prepared to be exact,” said Gramentz. “Reaching the potential for the worst floods we have had in New Ulm in a long, long time.”
The threat has moved Gramentz and Alicia Johnson to rally Minnesota lawmakers for the money to build a permanent dike, which would cost an estimated $2 million.
Johnson is grateful for the temporary dike, but with this year’s flooding still uncertain, she hopes the future permanent dike can protect her family.
"We have been working hard on trying to get that approved with weekly neighborhood meetings and things like that,” Johnson said. “This is an awakening that the river is going to continue to go up at some point.”
According to National Weather Service records, the Minnesota River could reach its highest flood stage in New Ulm by Sunday morning.
It could be in the top five for historical crests, with the last record flood topping out at 811.03 feet back in April of 1997."
"NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- It's a good thing Carleton College students are on spring break, because the flooding on campus would complicate getting around.
A news release on the college's website reported that warm weather and wet ground caused the Cannon River to overflow, spilling onto the Northfield campus.
Water first seeped onto the campus over the weekend, covering portions of practice fields and the arboretum. Officials built sandbag dikes to protect a stadium and gym.
As of Wednesday, water was approaching student housing, and plans were made to relocate students if the buildings flood before they return. Classes resume Monday.
Carleton's campus flooded last September as well, but the current water level is still three feet less than what it was at that time.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) "
"BROWNTON, Minn. -- A temporary flood levee built Monday in the city of Brownton broke through overnight, city officials say.
City officials say the levee broke overnight in two separate areas, along 1st Ave. near Division St., and 5th Ave. N. at the city line.
The city has put a call out for pumps, and Emergency Response Director Kevin Matthews says they are helping to filter out the water that's coming in as a result of the levee break.
Residents were told Tuesday to start moving furniture and other items in their basements to the upper level of their residences.
Sisters Keena Perry and Rena Artman both live in houses at opposite ends of the town, but both near the dikes. Tuesday afternoon, they found themselves joining with other family members to give each other a hand with flood fighting efforts.
"They're building a fourteen foot here and like an eight foot high at my house. So my landlord recommended highly that we move everything out of the basement. Because until they get those up we don't know how much water we're going to get," Perry said.
"Same here. We've only been here two months we have no idea how much water we're going to get if we get any at all with them building the dikes," Artman said
Crews will be working through the night and into Wednesday morning to rebuild levees to help protect the city. City officials say pumps around town and a tower are helping to keep the damage to a minimum.
City crews say they hope top have a thousand feet of new dike in place by Wednesday morning, but a driving rain mixes with sleet isn't helping their cause any.
Brownton is a small city in western Minnesota off Hwy. 212 in McLeod County between Glencoe and Buffalo Lake, a little more than an hour from the Twin Cities metro area."
"MANKATO, Minn. -- The recent snowfall and flooding is causing all sorts of problems outside the Twin Cities metro area.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported via Twitter Wednesday morning that Hwy. 22 between St. Peter and Mankato has closed due to flooding concerns.
A portion of the highway collapsed Wednesday morning. MnDOT officials say a levee broke, causing water to spill out and erode the area. Dirt under the road eroded, causing the road to collapse.
The highway is expected to be closed for several weeks and could take months to repair. Highway 22 is a popular route for motorists who travel from St. Peter to the western side of Mankato.
It also connects with Hwy. 14, which takes motorists to southeastern Minnesota.
Nobody was on the road at the time that it collapsed.
(Copyright 2011 KARE. All rights reserved) "
"
CLARA CITY — Flood fighting efforts have got underway as waters swelled over the banks of tributaries to the Minnesota River on Tuesday afternoon.
The waters of the Lac qui Parle River were rising rapidly in Dawson on Tuesday. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad had moved a crane to town to prevent ice jamming on the railroad bridge over the Lac qui Parle River in the city, according to Mayor Merlin Ellefson.
The Chippewa River in Benson was rising rapidly as well, but there was no immediate threat to homes in the Golf Road area. Residents there were adding to their sandbag dikes as a precaution.
"We're working it pretty hard,’’ said resident Greg Zniewski.
In Montevideo and Granite Falls, officials were preparing for the Minnesota River to crest on Monday and Tuesday of next week at the levels experienced last year....."
"MONTEVIDEO, Minn. (KSAX) – The city of Montevideo is considered to be at risk for major flooding, peeking at up to 18.7 inches by tomorrow morning.
Montevideo City Manager Steve Jones said the city can handle up to 19 inches of flooding without much damage, but any more than that could mean trouble for homes, businesses and roads. He said several places at risk include the Smith Edition area and a portion of Highway 212.
"We have very high water, about 18.2 to 18.3 (feet),” Jones said. “Anything over 18 feet is considered major flood stage.”
Jones said the city was expecting a record-breaking flood this year, but if there isn’t a quick melt or rainfall, they may make it through flood season with minimal damage. While Jones’ hopes are high, the city is expecting a second crest in one to two weeks that could raise concern.
"It looks like we will have a second peek,” Jones said. “It’s anybody’s guess at this point if it’s going to be worse than this one.”
Lagoon Park is under two or three feet of water, but that is one of the few low-lying areas in Montevideo that is completely flooded. No roads have been closed yet, but that could change if the water rises above 19 feet.
Written for the web by Laurie Stribling
lstribling@ksax.com"
"
If the weather stays dry area counties will get a little flood relief.
Grant County Sheriff, Dwight Walvatne says there's a little flooding on some township roads out his way.
"It came up pretty good on Sunday on the Mustinka River chain on Highway 55 between Wendell and Elbow Lake the townships have been good, they've been out marking the roads there's only a few of them that have washed out," says Walvatne.
Both Stevens and Grant Counties report no major flooding.
In Big Stone County the Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed Highway 12 approximately 2 miles east of Ortonville due to flooding. Traffic is detoured to Highway 75, Highway 7 and Highway 119.
"DELANO, Minn. -- Tom Petty once said it best:
The waiting is the hardest part.
Emergency officials in Delano are keeping an eye on some sizeable ice flows that could quickly elevate the level of the unpredictable Crow River. The Crow could reach flood stage this weekend, and if levels keep rising downtown businesses and homes could be in danger.
Friday morning they were closely watching a big ice flow that was stuck on the Highway 12 bridge. The concern is not for that bridge as there is plenty of clearance for the jam to pass underneath without damaging the structure.
The worries in Delano are for the Bridge Street bridge. The waters of the Crow are running mere inches under the bridge deck, and if a large jam were to strike the structure it could cause significant damage.
Although flood predictions for Delano have dropped to a crest just under 19 feet, crews spent Friday morning building a dirt levee to protect structures that sit along the river.
sits on the banks of the unpredict
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.) "
-Minneapolis
"MINNEAPOLIS -- To help residents protect their homes the city of Minneapolis is putting together 53,000 sandbags to be given to property owners in high risk flood areas.
Twenty two property owners near Minnehaha Creek as well as Shingle and Bassett Creek will start receiving letters this week letting them know sandbags are available this season to help with flooding, according to Lisa Cerney, the director of surface water and sewer.
Parts of the Minnehaha Creek are already creeping onto nearby trails. City crews started placing sandbags on streets near the creek in case it spills over."
"HASTINGS, Minn. (WCCO) – Hundreds of volunteers spent Saturday morning in Hastings filling sandbags to protect homes near the Mississippi River, which hit flood stage Friday night.
Hastings resident Randy Roberts know that for those who live in a river front town, spring can be the toughest time of year.
"I know what it’s like to have your home flooded, to see other people have their homes flooded,” said Roberts, who lived through major flooding in Missouri in 1993.
However, spring can also be a time when a community is at it’s best.
Several Hastings churches put out the word to fill sandbags over the weekend. Organizers planned for about 200 volunteers, but Saturday’s turnout had more than 400.
"I think we have about 500 volunteers working their hearts out," said Pat Walker, of the Hastings United Methodist Church.
More than 100 of those volunteers helped Diane Tuttle protect her childhood home along the Mississippi River.
"We've sand bagged twice in the past. We’ve had help, but never to this extreme,” Tuttle said. “It’s incredible that these people are so willing to help out."
With the swift running Mississippi not far away, volunteers only had to look over their shoulders for a reminder of why everyone’s help will be needed in the coming days.
"This says a lot about Hastings. They always come to the plate when it comes to helping people," Roberts said.
The Mississippi River is expected to hit major flood stage before it crests at 19 feet next weekend.
"
...Volunteers are being coordinated by "Bless Hastings" -- a group of seven churches working together to support the community. Those interested in volunteering with the group should contact John Mitchem with Bless Hastings at Hastings United Methodist Church, at: 651.437.4398. You can also sign up to help online at: http://www.hastingsumc.org/app
Anyone interested in making a donation to the Red Cross, which is assisting in the flood-fighting efforts, can call: 800-Red Cross, or text the word "Red Cross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.) "
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota DNR has closed Fort Snelling State Park until further notice due to flooding concerns, officials said Wednesday.
The DNR closed the park due to rising water levels on the Minnesota and Mississippi River, which both surround the park. It will remain closed until the waters subside...
"ST. PAUL -- A business was on the move Wednesday to avoid flood threats in St. Paul. The Covington Inn is actually floating to safety.
The 'boat hotel' is moving down river to Pig's Eye Lake.
Covington Inn's owner and the City of St. Paul believed the move was necessary because of the rising waters of the Mississippi River.
"The boat has no motor so I can't do it on my own and the piling that is welded up in the front is not strong enough for the expected flood," said Liz Miller, owner of the Covington Inn....
"SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Concerns persist, but the flood forecast appears favorable as the projected crest has been scaled back along the Mississippi River.
"The good news is the cold weather we've had," says Rick Larkin, St. Paul's director of emergency management.
The Mississippi River in St. Paul will reach flood stage on Friday and then rise to a "moderate flood stage" on Monday, then likely crest late next week at 19 feet.
"Just two weeks ago we were talking about a crest that would've put water about six feet high on this roadway," says Larkin, speaking to KARE-11 from the closed Shepard Road.
Construction on a levee along Shephard Road has completed and is in place in order to protect Lowertown St. Paul. Fortunately, with a favorable flood forecast now predicted, water may not even get close to Shepard Road and the levee.
Our recent cold temperatures have tamed the river.
"As much as we'd like winter to be over with, cold weather slows down the melt," says Larkin. "It's like turning the faucet down to a low trickle. Warm temperatures and rain only turn the faucet on full blast."
For updates on the levels of the Missisissippi River, traffic information, and potential park closings log on to St. Paul's "flood prep" website.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.) "
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Mississippi River in St. Paul is expected to crest soon, with projected levels reaching 19.2 feet. The water level as of Sunday afternoon was 17.8 feet.
The river has risen about five feet in the past three days, to just under 18 feet.
People found a reason to see the Mississippi River up close Sunday, before the city closes Harriet Island Park Monday.
"I already know there's going to be a flood," Ana Ebarra-Ranos said. "I think it's really deep."
Ana and her sister Aiden, along with their grandparents took a stroll along the water....
"STILLWATER (WCCO) – If there was any doubt we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, ask the folks of North Branch. A foot of heavy-wet snow has them socked in and digging out. Now, the next days are crucial.
Much of that snow to the north will melt and run into the watershed that feeds the St. Croix River, which is putting places like Stillwater on guard.
For the St. Croix, and other swollen rivers in the state, the question is: what’s the added impact from more rain and snow?
"It depends on how fast it melts. It could mean a second crest down the road, we’re not really sure,” said Stillwater Police Chief John Gannaway.
Gannaway added that what is certain is the need for a stockpile of 80,000 sandbags. Beginning sharply at dawn Wednesday, crews begin work on a poly-covered sand levee.
Once the work begins, trucks and dozers will build the sand wall to an elevation of 693 feet, roughly the level of the historic 1965 flooding.
The good news is that some of the latest precipitation was already factored into flood forecasts.
On Monday, the river will hit flood stage and crews in Stillwater will be prepared to go higher if hydrologists determine it’s necessary.
"The good thing is if you work here in the valley, as we call it, you kind of learn to deal with floods and learn to roll with the punches. Whatever Mother Nature brings on, you just deal with it,” added Gannaway.
The latest flood forecast was revised Wednesday. It expects the St. Croix to reach a level where the lift bridge closes on Monday, March 28.
The crest should come on March 30, but well within the limits of the planned levy."
Hail
Waiting-out Spring Hail Storm (Saturday,May 21st 2011) from Car
"Some friends (one of them visiting from Arizona) and I had to stop )at Howard Lake along State Highway 12) during this hail storm earlier today (Saturday, May 21st 2011) during one of the scattered storms throughout our state today. My housemate's friend visiting from AZ described this "first-time" experience as "being inside a popcorn maker" as we waited out for this hail storm inside my car. "
"
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
"12 Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
13 The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.”
"-Songs of Songs 1:12
"MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – We did it! We broke the 100 degrees barrier for the first time in five years in the Twin Cities. So how unusual is it to reach 100 degrees here?
"It’s psychologically elusive. Meteorologically, I guess, as well,” said WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak.
It was 2006 when last we hit 101 degrees, before that it was 101 degrees in 1995. Over the past 26 years there were just three days with temperatures higher than 100 degrees.
"The peak number of 100-degree days tended to occur in the 30s, during the dust bowl era,” said Augustyniak.
There were 25 days higher than 100 degrees in the 1930s, according to climate data from the Minnesota Climatology Office.
"It speaks to the fact that it is much easier to heat up dry air, which caused the dust bowl in many cases, than it is to heat up moist air,” said Augustyniak.
For example, he said, it takes longer to heat up lake water than it does to heat the relatively dry land. Because summer winds generally come from the south, they blow over Iowa on the way to Minnesota.
"Corn, in particular, planted in Iowa tends to transpires moisture, it essentially breathes moisture into the atmosphere,” Augustyniak said, resulting in warmer dew points in Minnesota over the past few decades.
Since 1956, Minnesota has only had 14 days with official Twin Cities temperatures above 100 degrees, including today.
History Of 100 Degree Days In The Twin Cities: From 1980-Today
June 7, 2011 – 102
July 31, 2006 – 101
July 13, 1995 – 101
July 3, 1990 – 100
August 1, 1988 – 101
July 31, 1988 – 105
July 15, 1988 – 102
June 24, 1988 – 101
June 8, 1985 – 102
July 5, 1982 – 100
July 11, 1980 – 100"
"MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Extreme discomfort is not the only reason Twin Cities road repair crews have to hate the heat this week. On Monday alone, more than 30 heat-related pavement “blow-ups” were reported in the greater metropolitan area.
Metro crews had to patch one of those spots on Interstate 94 at Lowry Avenue Monday. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, the opposite side buckled.
“We have some of the worst weather you can for building stuff outside. Between hot weather like we have now and the cold we get in the winter, we have extremes on both ends,” said the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s pavement engineer Curt Turgeon.
Highway engineers have a variety of concerns when it comes to the sudden high temperatures. The heat problems roads are having now are generally occurring along the transverse contraction joints of concrete roads. Those are the intentional cracks road-builders create or cut between the slabs of concrete that make up our highways.
“We’ve had a cold, but a wet spring,” said Turgeon. “So, the concrete pavements have a lot of moisture in them. Then we had a very abrupt change in temperature.”
Meaning, the blast furnace of heat that hit Minnesota this week has a lot of moisture that will expand within the concrete.
There are 350 slabs of concrete in every mile of highway and between every slab is an expansion joint.
When the slabs expand to the point they are pressing powerfully together where the joints touch, something has got to give. If the pavement ruptures, it is referred to by engineers as a blow-up.
"It just takes one joint to be not quite as good as it once was,” said Turgeon, to create a blow-up.
Logically, the bottom of hills are more vulnerable to heat blowups because of the weight of the slabs pushing down on each other.
The goal for MNDOT is to have the lane on I-94 re-opened the next morning and a permanent repair made in one to two weeks. "
"MINNEAPOLIS -- Trained weather spotters reported a brief tornado touchdown near Medina Saturday night.
The spotters reported the touchdown happened around 6:30 p.m. As of 8 p.m. no damage reports have come in.
Severe storms pushed through the western metro early Saturday evening. Most areas did see small hail and a few areas around Lake Minnetonka did experience golf ball size hail.
The cell that moved from Lake Minnetonka through Anoka was at times producing funnels and wall clouds that were rotating. The National Weather Service continued the tornado warning because of the threat through 8 p.m....
".GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- The National Weather Service says a powerful storm system moving across east central Minnesota produced at least 4 suspected tornado touchdowns from St. Louis Park to Forest Lake.
As of 3:30 p.m. the twister was moving east along State Highway 8, having touched down near Forest Lake. Shawn Augustine send an amazing video clip of a tornado he saw around 3:15 p.m.. There were reports the twister was on the ground moving towards Lindstrom.
The system spawned a suspected twister that touched down near Highway 100 and I-694. A second reported touchdown occured in St. Louis Park around 2:15 p.m.. The third was in north Minneapolis near 29th and Logan around 2:29 p.m..
In north Minneapolis and St. Louis Park large trees are down everywhere, and homes and businesses are damaged. It's not yet known if that damage was actually caused by tornados or by high winds accompanying the storm.
That's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of warnings and watches. ....
-MINNEAPOLIS:
Tornado Warning Minneapolis Minnesota May 22, 2011
Nordeast Minneapolis Tornado damage 05-22-2011
"That tornado that went through Northeast Minneapolis did some damage. Here is some footage along N Fremont Ave - only in high definition now"
"MINNEAPOLIS -- Volunteer clean-up workers fanned out across the tornado-devastated portions of North Minneapolis on Monday. Many of the free workers were coordinated by the faith-based Urban Homeworks group.
"Today, I think we have 8-10 crews out there, that are 20-25 in each. And then a few more 'bouncing around.' And then, we are going to have 3-4-500 tomorrow (Tuesday) maybe," said Chad Schwitters, Executive Director of Urban Homeworks.
The group normally is in the housing relief business, trying to keep residents in their homes. On Monday, they found themselves in the disaster relief business. One note on social media resulted in a flood of volunteers from associated organizations around the area.
Meanwhile, the City of Minneapolis has reported there would be no curfew on Monday night and debris collections are to begin on Wednesday. Many of the volunteers are cutting and dragging down limbs to the city's boulevards for pickup.
Those wishing to help the victims of Sunday's twister are urged to send money, not goods. The City asks people to donate to the Minneapolis Foundation at www.GiveMn.org. or the Red Cross. Funds donated to the Minneapolis Foundation will be split between Urban Homeworks and the Northside Home Fund.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.) "
"MINNEAPOLIS -- In the middle of a tornado disaster zone in Minneapolis something wonderful happened. On the corner of Logan and Lowry Avenues North, people came out of their homes and into the streets to help each other.
Wesley Smith of Richfield came to the neighborhood Monday morning to look at what was left after the tornado. He saw homes destroyed and people desperate for help. He started handing out a few bottles of water and then some food.
"I just had a few canned goods that was donated and a couple of things for people to make sandwiches with and then it started to grow from there," Smith said.
It grew from one person helping to an army of neighbors making sure everyone is taken care of. Neighbors climbed over fallen trees and went door to door with water and food.
Smith said much of north Minneapolis is still not accessible and some people can't leave their homes for shelters. Even when they can make it to places like the Red Cross the need is still drastic.
"Some of these people are going to need some money for assistance to get themselves reestablished and that's where we really have the need at this point in time," Mark Smith, a spokesperson with Red Cross said.
From the youngest victims to the oldest, Smith said a sandwich and water isn't much, however for today it is enough.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
"MINNEAPOLIS - The National Weather Service has concluded that the tornado that struck north Minneapolis on Sunday was a strong EF1 or EF2.
The tornado was on the ground for six-and-a-quarter miles in Hennepin County plus an additional eight miles across Anoka and Ramsey counties.
The weather service says some of the field information still needs to be processed. But the service says it's safe to say the twister will be rated as either a strong EF1 or possibly an EF2.
An EF1 tornado has speeds of up to 109 mph. An EF2 has speeds of 110-137 mph.
One man was killed in the tornado when a large branch apparently came through a window into his minivan. A second man collapsed and died after using a chain saw to help clear a tree from a blocked roadway.
In a written statement, the city of Minneapolis said that some residents from the hardest hit neighborhoods were being allowed back to their homes Monday evening. Crews and inspectors assessed properties and cleared debris to ensure conditions were safe for people to return. Only residents were being allowed back in.
Shelters have been set up at the Northeast Armory and the Drake Hotel. The Armory was prepared to accommodate 200 people. The city said that more than two dozen families with children have moved from the Armory to the Drake Hotel Downtown Minneapolis. Additional housing arrangements will be made for others on Tuesday.
North High School will serve as a meal center for families affected by the tornado on Tuesday. Bag lunches and water provided by Minneapolis Public Schools Nutrition Services will be available at the school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Tuesday, Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis will offer a one-day Project Connect: Tornado Assistance Center for families affected by Sunday's storms. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Services will be geared to residents impacted by the storm and will include housing and shelter resources, basic health care, mental health care, and legal assistance.
Bus transportation to Project Connect will be provided with trips every half hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from three locations: The Family Assistance Center at 1025 Broadway St. NE; NorthPoint Health and Wellness (formerly Pilot City) at 1315 Penn Ave. N.; and Cub Foods at 701 W. Broadway.
The city of Minneapolis and the Park Board are offering a tree debris pickup service for property owners whose trees were downed by the north Minneapolis tornado.
Crews will collect tree debris that can be brought to the boulevard starting Wednesday and continuing through June 10. That's for properties affected by the tornado in Minneapolis west of Interstate 94 and north of Highway 55. The city will pick up and dispose of larger limbs, branches and trunks at no charge.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) "
"MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — North Minneapolis was a community in crisis after Sunday’s tornado.
Many residents had no food, no lights and no water. Twenty four hours later, the community has a different feeling. Despite the loss of material things, the sense of community is stronger than ever.
"We’ve been standing up here with a sign asking for help and people have been helping us since 6:25 this morning,” said tornado survivor Anita Kimball.
Lowry andLogan Avenues on the north side were among the areas hit hardest by Sunday’s tornado. The destruction that brought this community to its knees has also sparked a sense of unity and a spirit of cooperation.
“Many of the students of color at theUniversityofMinnesotaare fromNorth Minneapolis,” said Sam Ndely, volunteer and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Although he grew up in Brooklyn Park, Ndely helped organize his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma and sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta to do what they could to help.
Although the work was hard, they said it’s rewarding to see people come together.
“People are giving us water people are opening their homes and you could see that love and community that exist,” said Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, volunteer and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Five Points Plaza became the drop off point for supplies on Monday.
“We’re fighting the barricades and we’re doing everything we can to get people to get information to people,” said Big Sy, KMOJ morning DJ.
The building was also used as a place for community to gather and get what they need to get by.
“This is really reassuring to see people from within the community and outside this community coming together to do whatever is necessary to help people in need,” said Stu Ackerberg.
But it was in the parking lot of the Cub Foods where the community proved in a time of crisis there is no better resource than the people you call neighbor.
People can help families affected by the tornadoes by making a $10 donation over your phone."
"MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The struggle to clean up and keep going continued in north Minneapolis on Monday.
Some people are feeling helpless and hopeless throughout the area destroyed by the tornado.
Experts said it got stronger as it hit the city. Damage assessment teams say it’ll be rated a strong EF-1 or EF-2, with winds up to 137 miles per hour.
"It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever went through in my life," said Ugena Okorafor-Bell, who escaped the storm with her family. She recalled the ‘roar,’ she said, of the tornado as it tore through her neighborhood. It tore off her roof and destroyed her home.
"It’s so defeating. You work all your life, and it’s taken away in an instant,” she said.
Okorafor-Bell was clearly stunned by the damage and the change in her life. It’s raw, unfiltered agony she’s never experienced. She hasn’t been able to salvage too much from her water-logged home, only a trunk full of stuff.
Okorafor-Bell was just one of the 250 people forced from their homes. Cleanup is slow, and electricity won’t be on until Wednesday, according to Xcel Energy. As of Monday night, 7,600 people are still without electricity.
Some apartment buildings and homes that are still standing can’t be lived in. Bricks were falling off one home on Golden Valley Road, so Minneapolis City Inspectors have told people to get out.
"All I can do is hold on and pray to God that he hears my prayers,” said Desa Hoyle who lives in that building.
Neighborhoods are distressed, and city leaders are asking people who don’t live in the area to stay out, so clean up can continue.
Impassable roads forced seven schools on the North side to close Monday.
Residents feel down on their luck, but Ronald Crossland isn’t.
"I’m thankful to be alive,” he said. A tree fell on his car with him inside, and he had to crawl through the cabin to escape.
"The only thing I could think of was to get up out of there, and that’s what I did," he said.
He knows it could have been worse for him, and Okorafor-Bell knows the same. They both survived.
"It was a miracle we got out safe. It was a miracle," she said.
It’s that perspective that keeps her going, even when every other one could easily keep her down."
Deadly Storm Forces Family to Leave
"Added On May 23, 2011
A 13-member family is left to pick up what pieces they can as they move forward from Sunday's deadly storms."
"MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – On Thursday, city officials said more than 3,000 homes, businesses, and other city buildings were damaged by Sunday’s tornado.
Xcel Energy still has more than 400 workers in North Minneapolis, trying to make sure all homeowners get their power back. Xcel spokesman Tom Hoen said only 727 customers were still without power as of 5 p.m. Thursday.
"I had never been through one before and I hope I never have to go through one again. It was just terrible,” said Bradley Zahn.
Four days after a tornado forced Zahn to take cover in his basement, he’s still assessing the damage it left behind. His house got hit hard, and he lost a 100-year-old Boxelder tree in the process.
"The north side of my house is gone. The roof is gone. My neighbor John Gonzales, the south side of his house is unscathed. Not even a scratch on it,” said Zahn.
Gonzales replied, “I feel lucky. By the grace of God that happened. I hate to be clichéd, but that’s it.”
Gonzales may not realize just how lucky he is. In all, 274 homes in North Minneapolis sustained major damage. More than 1,600 received minor damage.
So far, 147 homes have received orange placards, meaning the city considers them uninhabitable.
The city is seeing its own damage in other ways. They’ve hauled more than 1,700 truckloads of tree debris since Sunday, and have had to make more than 150 tire repairs to city trucks and police cars as they drive through debris-laden streets.
On foot, and even after a few days to take it all in, some volunteers helping with the clean-up still can’t believe the amount of damage.
"You see all the pictures on the news and then you get down here and you are like, wow, they have really lost a lot,” said Naomi Hancock, a volunteer from Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Of the damaged properties, it is estimated that more than 200 are foreclosed homes.
Minneapolis Police say there have been some arrests made in regards to burglaries and looting, but they say the problem isn’t out of control." Leaning on Faith 1 Week after Tornado in Minneapolis "MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Sunday marked the one-week anniversary of a horrific storm that destroyed part of north Minneapolis. More than 4,000 homes and businesses were damaged in the storm and two people died as a result.
A lot of that initial debris is picked up but much more work is needed. But as hundreds are without a home, they do have hope.
Many are turning to a higher power to get through the heartache and devastation.
"It looked like somebody dropped a bomb over here,” said tornado survivor Rosetta Sanders.
Sanders and Andrew Williams walked through what is left of their neighborhood.
"We're going to make it as long as we keep faith,” said tornado survivor Williams.
It's this faith that keeps most in the community going. They came together in song and in prayer, allowing their faith to sustain them through these tough times.
"So that means we are going to have to be in service-mode for quite some time,” said Rev. Jerry McAffe of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church.
The faith community has been providing comfort and assistance to those affected by the tornado since day one.
New Salem Missionary Baptist Church is just one of many churches dedicated to helping those in need. They provided most of the food, the cooks and the volunteers that served meals to many as they waited for help at Farview Park, all week long.
"We want to make sure that we are helping as much as we can,” McAffee said.
The view from the air shows just how much destruction was left behind and just how much clean up will be needed.
"I saw one act of faith after the other. God is on the ground in north Minneapolis,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
Rybak thanked the church for its role in the recovery effort. He said their actions have helped those affected by the tornado know they do not walk alone.
"It ain’t promised, life ain’t promised. I’m just thankful for what we got right now after the tornado,” said Williams.
Next Saturday, June 4, is being called “North Side Volunteer Clean-Up Day” with 2,000 people needed to help remove debris from all over north Minneapolis. But you need to register to get involved. Call 311 in Minneapolis to get involved.
'
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Christian Life: Belief, Faith, Hope, Trust, etc....
HUMANITARIAN:
"MINNEAPOLIS -- The non-profit organization "Urban Homeworks," a group already involved in community restoration projects, is leading the volunteer charge in north Minneapolis and they want YOU.
The tornado hit Sunday, and by that evening a plan was already in place thanks to Urban Homeworks and other urban ministries like Cross Connection and the Sanctuary Community Development Corp.
They've seen thousands of volunteers through the first two days of clean-up, but many more are needed today.
If you're interested in volunteering you are being asked to email your availability to the Urban Homeworks email account.
The Urban Homeworks website is also a great source of information.
Cross Connection at 1823 Emerson Ave. N. has turned into "Volunteer Headquarters." There, you will be quickly trained and sent out in teams.
Please bring work glove, work shoes, and if you have one, a chainsaw.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.) "
Tornado Victims in Minneapolis Still Need Help
"MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It has been one week since tornadoes turned some of our neighbor’s lives upside down. City officials say in north Minneapolis the tornado damaged more than 3,000 homes and businesses. Of those damaged, 150 houses were labeled “unlivable.”
It’s estimated the damage totals over $16 million. The Red Cross says it has hosted more than 500 people in shelters and served up more than 6500 meals.
On Sunday, the city of Minneapolis made a public “thank you” to everyone who’s pitched in. Seven electronic billboards are up around the city.
The effort to help isn’t stopping one week after the storm. The work has been non-stop in north Minneapolis. One tree limb at a time, volunteers continue to clear debris from the hardest hit areas of the community.
"Nechama means comfort in Hebrew and it’s our task to begin to give people a semblance of comfort when they survive a horrendous, horrific disaster like this," said Jim Stein.
Stein is the executive director of an organization dedicated to helping people in their darkest hour. Stein said they’re not here for show.
Many who have dedicated hours of their time to help have ties to this section of Minneapolis — ties that span generations.
"Originally, this was a Jewish neighborhood. All of north Minneapolis was filled with immigrant Jews who came here and settled in this part of town and over the years they moved out and other people moved in. But this is a very special area. We have a real kinship with this area,” said Stein.
For the young, not only do they see where their grandparents and parents once lived, they also get a lesson in how a little help goes a long way.
"I feel that this place really needs a lot of help and it’s hard to see all of the destruction but I feel that I am really, like, you can’t do the whole thing but you can help out a little bit and if enough people do it, you can make a big difference,” said Shayan Gilbert Burke, a youth volunteer.
“You know, it’s one person at a time, one house at a time. I was just working on a yard with some folks and all they wanted is the yard but when we were done he came out and felt better about his life and about the potential for tomorrow. That’s what makes a difference,” said Rabbi Lynn Liberman.
Nechama began in Minneapolis more than 15 years ago. They send volunteers, Jewish and non-Jewish, and supplies to disasters across the country."
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Religion: Judaism, Hebrews/Israelites, Torah, Bible-"Old" Testament, etc...
(2010)
June 17th, 2010 MN Tornados - Fox News
" June 21, 2010 — This is the opening clip from our newscast from June 18th, 2010, with stories about the tornadoes that devastated Minnesota towns such as Wadena and Mentor."
"Three people died as a result of the Minnesota tornadoes:
* Kathy Woodside, 66, died when her small farmhouse and barn were destroyed in Thursday night's storm, west of Albert Lea. Woodside's house in a rural area west of the city had no basement.
* Margie Schulke, 79, died when her home in Almora, Minn. was destroyed by a tornado.
* In Mentor, Minn., about 50 miles southeast of Grand Forks, N.D., the owner of a Cenex station was killed when a tornado struck his store. Wes Michaels' daughter told the Star Tribune her father was not supposed to work on Thursday, his 58th birthday, but that he went in to check on her because of the storm warnings. She said he ordered her and several customers into the store cooler as the tornado bore down.
"
*the last listed death reminds me of our "Heavenly Father" sacrificing His Son (who died in "o>ur" place for our sins)=> GoodnewsEverybody.com Movies: The Passion, Crucification, Easter, Resurrection, etc..
YouTube Video: Minnesota Tornadoes 2010 – Tornadoes in Minnesota, Damage, Death Toll,
June 18th, 2010 cnmnewsnetwork.com "YouTUBE Video Minnesota Tornadoes 2010 – Tornadoes in Minnesota, Damage, Death Toll The death toll is currently at 3 following a slew of tornadoes in Minnesota. There were 36 tornado reports in all, and they caused mass devastation. This was a record day for this type of activity in the state if all reports are confirmed.
The previous record was 27 twisters in one day, set in 1992. Two people were killed in their homes, and one person was killed at a gas station. The man who was killed at a gas station has yet to be identified.
Minnesota is only the latest state to fall victim to mother nature. Michigan and Ohio experienced massive damage from tornadoes last month, and Arkansas and Oklahoma just experienced flash flooding. In addition, massive flooding in April caused billions of dollars in damages to Nashville, and the historic Opryland area remains devastated and closed until mid-November.
As more information about the Minnesota tornado damage surfaces, we will pass that information on to you." Citize n Tube,
Friday, June 18, 2010
Minnesota Tornadoes Kill 3, Injure Dozens citizentube.com
-Wadena
Wadena, MN Tornado Damage
"June 18, 2010 — Following an afternoon outbreak of 21 tornadoes across the Red River valley, storm chaser Eric Whitehill contributed this video surveying the damage in Wadena, MN. (June 17, 2010)"
"June 18, 2010 — Severe storms and powerful tornadoes rake western Minnesota on Thursday. Video package includes tornado video shot by TWISTEX researcher, Ed Grubb and continues with damage footage shot by TWISTEX researcher Tony Laubach.
..
Wadena MN Tornado (Minnesota Tornadoes pictures and video) news updates., freakygossip.com "...The Police and the National Guard soldiers blocked the entrance to tornado smashed neighborhoods in Wadena MN as the northwestern Minnesota town prepared to begin cleaning up after the destructive storms. Wadena is a town of about 4,300 people and it lays 70-miles southeast of Fargo... Tornado Lands Bluffton Calf in Basement , Updated at: 06/25/2010 9:31 AM | KSAX.com "..."My boyfriend [Gene Schwab] comes in and goes, 'Sam, get in the basement.' And I go 'No, hang on, hang on.' And he goes, 'Get in the basement now!" tornado victim Samantha Wittstruck said.
"I looked at him; her cousin [Manly Beach], and he's like, 'this ain't happening, this ain't happening. And I'm like, 'Yeah, it's happening," tornado victim Gene Schwab said.
"Looked over and there was a cow on top of my cousin," tornado victim Manly Beach said.
"I went to crawl out, but I couldn't because it was so heavy on top of me," Wittstruck, 16, said. "So I looked over and there had been a cow that was laying from my back all the way up, and I was like, 'Oh my gosh!'"
"I was like, 'Holy crap, it is just like the movies.' You see cows flying around and there was one that landed in the basement with us, pretty scary," Schwab, 18, said.
"[Samantha] slapped it a couple times, it got up," Beach, 20, said.
"It had a big hole in its head and it was bleeding like crazy," Wittstruck said. "I was like, smackin it, [and yelling] 'Get off me! Get off me! Get off me!'"
"We were just trying to get it away from us, it just kept trying to cuddle with us," Schwab said. "He's probably scared too."
"Kinda weird, you know," Beach said. "I mean, I never thought a cow would land on there."
"Afterwards, we were at the hospital and I was like, 'We need to get the cow out of our basement," Wittstruck said.
"They pulled it out, I guess with a four-wheeler and a rope, and then there was people behind it trying to pull it up out of the basement, so he's ok," Schwab said. "They took all of the cows and moved them out of here."
"The left hind hoof got sliced maybe a couple inches long I suppose, and then the left side of its head was swollen," Dale Mann, the calf's owner, said.
"I heard he was still alive, so ... He's still kickin it," Wittstruck said.
"If I can give it another round of shots, I'll watch it a few more days, and put it out with the rest of [the cattle], and it should be fine," Mann said.
Mann said the four-month-old calf doesn't have a name but thought "Lucky" might be fitting.
"Well, you always wonder, you hear goofy things happening," Troy Manselle, the owner of the now-demolished home said. "Something like that, you just wonder how it even got there you know. I don't know if it just fell out of the sky or what but, it's pretty amazing what those tornadoes will do," he said.
Written for the web by Joe Nelson.
jonelson@ksax.com .. Wadena Back in Recovery Mode after Day of Rest, Posted at: 06/28/2010 6:00 PM | KSAX.com "WADENA, MINN. - After a day of rest, Wadena storm victims and volunteers are back in disaster recovery mode.
Dump trucks have hauled more than 1,800 loads of tree debris since the June 17 tornado hit the Wadena area, and about 2,600 volunteers have come to help with clean up efforts.
Judy Jacobs, a Minnesota Department of Transportation representative who has been working with the city for the past week, said many Wadena storm victims are working hard but shouldn't be afraid to ask for help, and should remember to think of their personal safety and stay hydrated.
"The amazing spirit and the resiliency of this community is something that I am in awe of every day," Jacobs said. "They've been really traumatized and yet they're pulling together as a community, they're helping their neighbors. I get calls all the time from someone saying, 'I haven't seen my neighbor out. I don't know if she's getting meals delivered to her.' We're hearing that kind of thing from people."
To make a donation, visit http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Wadena-Tornado-Relief-Fund.
Written for the web by Joe Nelson.
jonelson@ksax.com "
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