The National Weather Service says it was a weak tornado in Waite Park and a downburst north of Downtown St. Cloud Friday night that did much of the damage in the St. Cloud area.

According to the NWS, a tornado touched down just north of the Interstate 94 and Highway 23 intersection, moved northeast at around 65 mph and dissipated in Waite Park, some 2.3 miles later. The NWS says the tornado was as big as 30 yards wide as it broke or toppled trees in its path, touching down in five distinct locations along its path. All of this happened from around 6:23 to 6:26 p.m. Friday.

Meanwhile, downburst winds of 65 to 70 miles an hour hit north of downtown St. Cloud, toppling hundreds of trees which landed on houses, sheds and vehicles.

The NWS says the damage from the downburst was far more widespread and significant than from the tornado.

The NWS notes there was sporadic tree damage from Rockville to St. Cloud which was much less concentrated than from the tornado and downburst.

 

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