TRACY (AP) — Minnesota residents are remembering the state's first recorded F5 tornado with 300 mph winds that caused widespread destruction in the southwestern part of the state.

The tornado hit the city of Tracy on June 13, 1968. It destroyed dozens of homes and killed nine people.

Scott Thoma grew up in Tracy. He's assembled stories about the tornado in a book titled "Out of the Blue."

Denny Morgan was 15 years old when the storm hit. He's written a song about his experience to commemorate the tornado's 50th anniversary.

Tornado strength is measured by an enhanced F-scale rating that considers 28 different types of damage to structures and trees. A significant tornado is considered an EF2 or higher.

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