Storm rips roof from Hokah home - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

HOKAH, Minnesota (WXOW) - Officials are still determining whether it was a tornado that struck Hokah, as crews work to clean-up the massive damage.

It was the type of storm area residents say they've seen before, but the aftermath brings a fresh reminder of nature's power.

For Dawn Jorstad, the usual signs of a massive storm never showed.

"We didn't hear any train noises they tell you about--nothing," she said.

Jorstad said she was at home with her family when high winds and rain forced them downstairs.

"We sat down on the steps and all of the sudden the basement door sucked shut," said Jorstad.

Only moments later, she returned upstairs to witness nature's fury.

"Our roof was gone."

One eyewitness from across town said she actually saw a funnel cloud form in the vicinity of Twin Creeks Drive. Officials cannot yet confirm or deny this, but they can confirm the storm blazed a path of destruction along Southeast Minnesota.

"There's a stretch up over Union Ridge where they had a couple of pole-sheds that went down," said Hokah Police Chief Bob Schuldt. "It's kind of a straight line of damage from here to La Crosse. We had a couple of barns that went down--a couple of garages that flew off the foundation."

Despite this there are no injuries or fatalities yet to report.

"So, far we haven't had any reports of any injuries but a lot of property damage," said Schuldt.

Jorstad said, "Everybody's fine. My cat's fine. The house isn't."

Authorities warn to be aware of storm debris and stay away from downed power lines as they work to bring back some signs of normalcy.

Jorstad remains in good spirits, saying her family is covered by insurance, and for the time being will be living with her father.