On Sunday a massive storm system including several destructive tornadoes passed through Minnesota and Iowa. A tornado in the St. Paul suburb of Hugo, MN, killed a two-year-old boy and left more than 40 homes in ruins. A tornado that passed through Parkersburg, IA, caused even more damage, killing four in Parkersburg and two in neighboring New Hartford. More than 222 homes were destroyed in the storm, heavily affecting the town of only 1,900 residents. The Parkersburg twister was reported to be nearly a mile-wide, and traveled for 43 miles before dissolving. Wind speeds reached 165 mph.

50% of Parkersburg is destroyed or heavily damaged. The city hall, high school, and only gas station and grocery store were destroyed. Iowa governor Chet Culver declared the affected counties disaster areas, and asked for federal assistance.

This storm and accompanying tornadoes followed storms in Oklahoma and Kansas on Saturday which killed at least two, and a stormy year overall. Read through the rest of the Daily Perspective to learn about how you can help the people of Hugo and Parkersburg, as well as reading about the hyperactive 2008 tornado season and some devastating tornadoes in the past.

Extracted from : http://www.newspaperarchive.com