Tornado

Definition
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air rising up into a cloud. A thunderstorm is the first step in the creation of a tornado. A thunderstorm happens when there is moisture in the atmosphere, a lifting force causing air to begin rising, and unstable air that will continue to raise once it starts. Then, if other conditions are right, the thunderstorm may spin out one or more tornadoes.

Wadena County has experienced 11 tornadoes since 1950. Fortunately, no deaths have been experienced, but 6 injuries have occurred.

Wind Speeds
The wind speeds associated with each tornado rating are listed below:
  • F0: 40-72 miles per hour
  • F1: 73-112 miles per hour
  • F2: 113-157 miles per hour
  • F3: 158-206 miles per hour
  • F4: 207-260 miles per hour
  • F5: 261-318 miles per hour
National Climatic Data Center
Location or County Date Time Type Rating
 Death Injuries PrD CrD
1 Wadena June 8, 1964
 10:10 p.m.
 Tornado F1 0 0 3K 0
2 Wadena September 9, 1964 7:40 p.m. Tornado F1 0 0 25K 0
3 Wadena July 4, 1966 8 p.m.
 Tornado F1 0 0 250K 0
4 Wadena July 10, 1966 4:15 p.m. Tornado F2 0 0 250K 0
5 Wadena July 14, 1968 8:30 p.m. Tornado F0 0 0 3K 0
6 Wadena August 26, 1977 6:45 p.m. Tornado F2 0 2 250K 0
7 Wadena July 12, 1978 6:30 p.m. Tornado F0 0 0 0K 0
8 Sebeka October 26, 1996 4:30 p.m. Tornado F2 0 0 750K 0
9 Verndale July 8, 2000 8:20 p.m. Tornado F2 0 3 500K 0
10 Oylen June 29, 2005 5:40 p.m. Tornado F0 0 0 0 0
11 Menahga June 6, 2008 8:14 a.m. Tornado F2 0 1 5.0M 500K