Possible Tornado Hits Small Mower County Town

Taopi, MN (KROC AM News) -  Widespread damage is being reported in and near the small Mower County town of Taopi that may have been caused by a late Tuesday night tornado.

There are reports of numerous houses and buildings either damaged or destroyed as well as downed powerlines and trees. Some injuries were also reported.

A tornado warning was issued for the area late Tuesday night.

Highway 56 - which runs through Taopi - was closed between Adams and LeRoy as of 6:00 AM Wednesday because of downed powerlines.

Motorists are also being warned of "cattle loose in the area."

The NWS reported Wednesday morning it was highly likely the damage was caused by a tornado that struck around 10:30 pm:

TAOPI. HOUSE SLID OFF FOUNDATION, ROOFS OFF
HOUSES IN AND AROUND TOWN. GRAIN BINS
DESTROYED. HIGH TRANSMISSION POWER LINES
SNAPPED. DAMAGE TRACK SEVERAL MILES LONG
GOES THROUGH THE WESTERN SIDE OF TOWN. HIGH
LIKELIHOOD OF A TORNADO.

The National Weather Service is expected to send assessment teams to the area to determine if the damage was caused by a tornado.