No deaths were reported following Friday's storms, which barrelled through the Upper Midwest and delivered the latest round of severe weather to batter the region. Officials braced residents for a long recovery in some rural communities.
"We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury," Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said of the storm that hit Lena, Illinois.
Officials in Wisconsin and Minnesota echoed those sentiments.
In central Wisconsin, a reported tornado that tore through the cities of Kronenwetter and Ringle left behind damaged homes and some residents briefly trapped in their basements, Ringle Fire Chief Chris Kielman told reporters.
Marathon County Sheriff Chad Billeb said he had not seen this much devastation during his 34 years in law enforcement.
"A lot of people are going to need a lot of help," Billeb said.
In Kronenwetter, neighbours were helping each other clear debris from their properties, and Wisconsin Public Service was working to restore power. Police Chief Terry McHugh said it could be a lengthy process.
In Olmsted County, Minnesota, sheriff's officials said tornadoes caused "multiple levels" of damage. At least 30 homes were damaged in Marion Township, with a number of those sustaining damage that was described as significant. Officials went door to door to check on people.
The National Weather Service said the damage was likely caused by tornadoes and surveys of the affected areas would be conducted over the weekend.
