Tornado Outbreak Hits Rochester: No Injuries, Dozens of Homes Damaged
Multiple tornadoes struck southeast Minnesota on Friday afternoon, April 18, 2026. Eyewitness video and reports were submitted to the Storm Prediction Center.
Reports came from communities around Rochester, including Hayfield, Marion, Sargeant, Stewartville and Elgin. At least one tornado was confirmed to have touched down.
Casualties and damage estimates
No injuries were reported, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. Officials estimate roughly 30 to 50 families were affected.
Marion Township sustained the heaviest impact. About 30 homes were damaged there, with 12 showing significant destruction.
In Stewartville, eight homes reported major damage. Fourteen additional homes had damage ranging from minor to major.
Quincy Township recorded damage to one residence. A separate property lost a shed to the storm.
High Forest Township saw two homes sustain damage. Overall damage totals remain under review.
Local response and assistance
The Olmsted County Board issued a disaster declaration for the affected area. Emergency crews disconnected electricity and natural gas as a safety precaution.
A temporary shelter opened at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester for displaced residents. Officials urged anyone with damage to file a preliminary assessment online.
Residents can submit preliminary damage reports through the Olmsted County website or by emailing [email protected]. Public safety managers are coordinating resources.
Footage, photos and follow-up
A traffic management camera captured a ropy tornado near the Rochester International Airport. Residents also shared videos showing downed trees and destroyed homes.
Aerial chopper video from April 18, 2026 surveyed the damage across the area. Photos posted by the Buffalo County, Wisconsin, Sheriff’s Office show additional storm impacts.
Filmogaz.com has a crew headed to the Rochester area to document conditions and report updates. The event has been described with headlines such as Tornado Outbreak Hits Rochester: No Injuries, Dozens of Homes Damaged.
