Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff
St. Paul, Minn.

5 things to know about tornadoes in Minnesota

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Sauk Rapids in 1886
A man and a boy survey the rubble of the deadliest tornado in Minnesota history in Sauk Rapids on April 14, 1886.
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Tornado season in Minnesota runs from early spring well into fall. Here are some things you might not know about the state's tornado history.

1. The only months during which a tornado has never touched down in Minnesota are December, January and February.

2. The deadliest tornado in Minnesota history was on April 14, 1886, hitting St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids. It killed 72 people and injured 213. The DNR says that during that tornado, 11 members of a wedding party were killed, including the groom. The bride eventually remarried.

3. The most expensive tornado disaster in Minnesota occurred May 6, 1965 when a family of tornadoes struck the western and northern Twin Cities, causing 50 million dollars in damage, without inflation adjustment from that time.

4. The largest tornado outbreak in one day in Minnesota was 48 tornadoes on June 17, 2010, hitting Wadena and many other locations -- Mentor in Polk County, near Almora in Otter Tail County, and near Albert Lea in Freeborn County. June of 2010 holds the record as the month with the most tornadoes ever -- 71.

5. A long view of the state's tornado history shows that from 1950 to 2012, a total of 1,721 tornadoes hit the state, causing 99 deaths and 1,981 injuries, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.