UPDATE: Severe storm hits LaCrosse - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

LA CROSSE (AP) -- A powerful storm has hit LaCrosse, severely damaging the Kmart store, tearing roofs from homes and possibly trapping some residents inside an apartment building.

WXOW-TV reports that a tornado was reported Sunday afternoon on the ground within two miles of its studios.

The LaCrosse Tribune reports roofs have been ripped off buildings across the city. Others have been severely damaged. The newspaper reports residents may be trapped inside a storm-damaged apartment building.

Police are asking residents across the city to stay indoors.

Traffic is slowing emergency responders' efforts to help with people who may be injured or trapped inside damaged buildings.

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LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - A powerful storm system moved through southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin Sunday afternoon, with rain, hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.

There is a report of a funnel cloud that was seen over Sparta.  A photo submitted by Ethan Wessel shows what appears to be that funnel cloud.  Amateur radio weather spotters report to the National Weather Service that cars were flipped and turned over to the south of Sparta.  The report says that debris impact has destroyed numerous windows at the Brenengen Chevy dealership in Sparta.  

Numerous reports from around the region show damaging winds in excess of 60 miles an hour. This has left trees down and other damage in La Crosse according to witness reports to WXOW.  One storm report says that trees were down on the southside of La Crosse in the 19th and Denton area.

Photos show that part of the roof of the Kmart store on Losey Blvd. has had part of its roof collapse from the storm. 

Other photos show damage near Hokah.

At one point, a tornado was reported on the ground within two miles of the WXOW studios. One storm report had a funnel cloud spotted by Target Lake in southern La Crosse County.

As of shortly after 5pm, the storm continues to move to the east and continues to show strong winds and possible wind shear.

We will continue to update this story as we receive more information.