Warning sirens wailed in Fort Frances and International Falls yesterday afternoon when a severe storm system moved into the area.
Fortunately, no major damage was reported.
A tornado warning was put into effect for Koochiching County across the river around 4 p.m. after a funnel cloud was spotted near Ray, Mn., about 30 km (18 miles) south of International Falls.
Warning sirens also were activated in Fort Frances for roughly 30 minutes until the warning was downgraded to a watch by Environment Canada, which remained in effect until 6 p.m.
At that time, Environment Canada reported the storm was moving northeast of Fort Frances towards Lac La Croix First Nation and Atikokan.
The clouds brought some heavy rainfall, as well as a bit of thunder and lightning activity, but quickly passed through town.
According to reports from Lac La Croix, the storm went to the north side of the reserve and passed with little disturbance.
Residents likely can expect a long chain of summer storm activity to pass through the district this season.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
