Update: Weather Service Confirms Twister Near Zimmerman

ZIMMERMAN (AP) - The National Weather Service has confirmed that it was a tornado that caused extensive damage near Zimmerman.

Forecasters say the tornado that damaged buildings and took down trees and power lines near Zimmerman Monday evening was the earliest twister recorded in
Minnesota. A survey crew was still determining how many times the tornado touched down and its strength.

Another survey team was inspecting damage in Clarks Grove about 15 miles north of Albert Lea in southern Minnesota. It's possible another tornado caused extensive damage there.

Previously, the earliest tornado ever reported in Minnesota happened on March 18, 1968 in Truman.