Tornado Touches Down Near Brainerd, Leaves Trail of Damage Across Central Minnesota

A fast-moving tornado touched down near the Brainerd Lakes area Monday afternoon, setting off alarms across central Minnesota and leaving thousands without power. The storm struck during peak evening hours, catching many residents off guard.

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado warning was issued around 4:40 p.m. and covered parts of Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin counties. Spotters confirmed a tornado near Gull Lake moving east at speeds between 35 to 55 mph. Funnel cloud activity was also reported near Brainerd as dark skies, strong winds, and heavy rain swept through the region.

Communities including Nisswa, Lake Shore, Merrifield, and Crosby were hit hard. Residents described scenes of downed trees, blocked roads, and widespread power outages. Utility companies confirmed that nearly 2,000 homes lost electricity in the aftermath.

Despite the intensity of the storm, no serious injuries or major building damage had been reported as of Tuesday morning. Emergency crews have been working nonstop to clear debris and restore access to damaged roadways. Crow Wing County activated its emergency operations center in Merrifield to coordinate response and recovery efforts.

Weather officials warn that the storm is part of a larger pattern intensified by a regional heatwave, with temperatures in Brainerd expected to reach the upper 80s and 90s this week. Hot, humid air creates ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during Minnesota’s peak storm season in June.

Residents are advised to stay weather-aware and ready for further warnings. Officials recommend keeping mobile devices charged, seeking shelter in a basement or interior room during future alerts, and avoiding any downed power lines or flooded roads.