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BREAKING NEWS: Tornado rips through Wadena; damage is 'devastating'
The boards of the Wadena-Deer Creek ice hockey rink lay scattered in the high school parking lot in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that ripped through the southwest part of Wadena this evening. The Wadena Community Center in the background was destroyed. Photos by Mike Isola/Beyond the Bleachers
A tornado ripped through the southwestern part of Wadena earlier this evening, leveling homes, trees and causing extensive to the high school.
The Wadena Community Center was leveled and numerous vehicles were tossed like toys. The Wadena County Fairgrounds also sustained excessive damage.
This teddy bear was found among the debris Thursday evening
So far, there has been no deaths, but 20 people have been injured according to Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden in a news conference. "It's devastating. I broke down. I've never seen this before," he said.
There were reports of gas leaks scattered throughout the damage area, as well as water main breaks and downed power lines.
Wolden said that there were 15 to 20 different law enforcement and fire departments in the area to help with the aftermath.
Please check back for further updates and photos as they become available
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