LaCrosse hit by suspected tornado, damage significant
8:15 PM, May 22, 2011 | comments
Photo Courtesy LaCrosse Tribune - FILED UNDER
- Local News
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- A powerful storm has hit LaCrosse, severely damaging the Kmart store, tearing roofs from homes and possibly trapping some residents inside an apartment building.
Emergency officials say most of the damage is reported in the south side of La Crosse from the Mississippi River to the bluffs. Several homes and businesses were damaged.
The storm hit an area near Gundersen Lutheran Hospital but the hospital was not damaged. Several homes and apartment buildings report roof and siding damage. Officials also ordered a mandatory evacuation because of a possible gas leak.
Rescue crews are directing displaced residents to the Gunderson Lutheran parking ramp. Shelters are being set up at Central High School and Lincoln Middle School.
The roof of the K-mart building was damaged and apparently collapsed. Other businesses damaged include the Pepsi Bottling building, Badger Corrugating, and the Green Island Ice Arena.
Local officials have invoked mutual aid for both fire and law enforcement. There have been no requests for state assistance at this time.
WXOW-TV reported that a tornado was reported Sunday afternoon on the ground within two miles of its studios.
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