National Weather Service Confirms Tornado Caused Extensive Damage in Becker County
Credit: Becker County Sheriffs Office
Published: July 7th, 2026
BECKER COUNTY MN: The Becker County Sheriff's Office says the National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado caused the extensive damage reported in Becker County following severe storms Monday evening.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies and other emergency responders were monitoring a potentially severe weather system across western Becker County on the evening of July 6. At approximately 7:30 p.m., a possible funnel cloud was reported north of Lake Park. Emergency personnel continued to monitor and patrol the area as the storm intensified.
A short time later, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail moved through areas north of Audubon as the storm tracked east-southeast. A tornado warning was subsequently issued for the Callaway and Rochert areas. Reports of downed trees, power lines, and debris soon followed in Detroit Township, including areas between U.S. Highway 59 and County Highway 21.
At approximately 8:14 p.m., the Becker County Sheriff's Office received a report that a tornado had touched down in the Oakland Beach area along Floyd Lake, causing extensive damage to homes, buildings, and trees. Deputies and emergency responders responded to the area and confirmed widespread storm damage.
Authorities said crews conducted door-to-door searches to locate residents and check for injuries. Two people were transported to Essentia Health-St. Mary's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while another individual sought medical care by private vehicle.
Displaced residents were directed or transported to an emergency shelter established at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where the county's Emergency Operations Center coordinated assistance. Officials said 31 residents have received assistance so far through efforts involving multiple local, state, and nonprofit agencies, including the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.
Officials say only residents and individuals associated with affected property owners are currently being allowed into the damaged areas. The Becker County Landfill is accepting demolition and tree debris, while the City of Detroit Lakes compost site is open for smaller tree debris.
The sheriff's office thanked the numerous law enforcement, fire, EMS, utility, emergency management, and public works agencies that responded to assist during the storm response.
On Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service completed its storm survey and confirmed the damage was caused by a tornado.
Residents seeking information related to the incident can contact the Becker County Emergency Operations Center at 218-850-7354.