(Estherville)– We’re learning some additional details into that tornado Tuesday evening that touched down just west of Estherville.
Drones that were flown by Emmet and Dickinson County Emergency Management officials were able to identify the path. In a Facebook post, Emmet County Emergency Management coordinator Travis Sheridan says they determined the tornado traveled 1.69 miles on or just above ground. Aerial photos show twisted and flattened corn along a swath through a field, along with damage to some nearby structures.
Sheridan thanks residents and storm spotters who witnessed the tornado for calling 911 so warning sirens could be activated. A tornado warning had not been issued for that area. Emmet county is under the jurisdiction of the National Weather Service in Des Moines. Sheridan says because Emmet county is far enough away from Weather Service radar sites in Des Moines and Sioux Falls, it is difficult for them to pick up tornado signatures. He says it emphasizes the importance of having trained spotters in the area.
