Summary of May 6, 1965 Twin Cities Tornadoes

Overview

May 6, 1965 was one of the worst tornado outbreaks in Minnesota history. Six tornadoes affected six counties around the Twin Cities with 13 fatalities and over 500 injured. The tornado outbreak lasted three hours and caused $51 million in damage. There were four F-4s, one F-3, and one F-2. Two of the F-4s crossed paths, causing even more damage. These tornadoes developed due to low pressure in North Dakota/Canada and unstable air behind a warm front over the Twin Cities region.

Top row: Minnetonka tornado (left) and Glencoe tornado (right)

Bottom row: Fridley tornado (left) and Hamburg tornado (right)

Tornado
Photos
Radar
Storm Reports
Environment

Tornadoes:

Tornado - Cologne
Carver and Hennepin Counties

Date	6 May 1965
Time (Local)	6:08 PM-6:40 PM CST
F Rating	F-4
Path Length	12.3 miles
Injuries/Deaths	3 fatalities, 175 injured
Summary: This tornado touched down east of Cologne, moved northeast, and dissipated northeast of Minnetrista and Orono.

Track Map

Tornado - Chanhassen, Minnetonka, Deephaven
Carver and Hennepin Counties

Date	6 May 1965
Time (Local)	6:27 PM-6:43 PM CST
F Rating	F-4
Path Length	6.9 miles
Injuries/Deaths	None
Summary: This tornado touched down near Lake Susan in Chanhassen and traveled north through Minnetonka and Deephaven.

Track Map

Tornado - New Auburn, Lester Prairie Sibley and McLeod Counties

Tornado - New Auburn, Lester Prairie
Sibley and McLeod Counties