Small Tornado Confirmed Near Northern Minnesota Casino

Mahnomen, MN (Minnesota News Network) - The National Weather Service says its survey of damage indicates an EF-1 tornado with wind speeds of about 95 miles-per-hour caused damage around the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen early this morning.

Mahnomen County Sheriff Doug Krier says the small twister was actually caught on surveillance video as it moved within 30-to-40 feet of the casino. Some debris also damaged the nearby Shopko store. The video shows the tornado going back up after its path crossed the casino property. Krier says he checked areas for several miles both east and west of Mahnomen and says there was no damage.

The weather service says the tornado was only on the ground for about 400 yards. No injuries were reported.