NWS confirms EF0 tornado touched down near Belle Plaine Monday night

BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (FOX 9) - The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down Monday near Belle Plaine, Minnesota Monday night.

According to the NWS-Twin Cities, a damage survey team confirmed an EF0 tornado 3.5 miles southeast of Belle Plaine just after 7 p.m. Monday. The tornado brought winds of 80 miles per hour and spanned 100 yards at its widest.

Looking at all the debris on his property in the harsh light of day, it’s hard for Keith Buszmann to find the words.

"I came to tears today when the help showed up. It’s just wonderful," he said.

The tornado touched down on Buszmann's family farm, destroying their shop and pig barn, and tearing off part of the roof of their cattle barn.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. No, not even close. So it’s quite the sight to see," Buszmann’s son said.

After waiting for insurance adjusters and a team from the National Weather Service to check out the damage, nearly three dozen family members, friends and even total strangers turned out to help clear the debris from the property.

"I moved here two or three years ago and don't know many people around here. I just came to say, ‘hi’ and see if they need anything else," one good Samaritan said.

Buszmann said he grew up on this farm and he plans to rebuild for future generations to enjoy.

"It’s a story to pass down to the grandkids, that’s for sure. It’s not the story you want to pass down. Mother Nature decides to do her thing," he said. 

The Buszmanns say it will probably be a couple of weeks before they get things back to normal, but they are just grateful the damage wasn't worse.