Storms wreak havoc in mid-west US
Severe storms and tornadoes have ripped through the US states of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The storms destroyed homes and businesses, left thousands without power and injured seven people taking shelter in a ditch, including a 12-year-old boy, who is in a critical condition.
He and six others were caught in a tornado which swept through the western Minnesota town of Benson on Monday afternoon. About a dozen businesses and 20 homes were damaged.
After striking Benson, the storm front struck Litchfield and Grove City, where trees were uprooted and power lines were downed. Governor Jesse Ventura has ordered National Guard troops to those towns.
In Wisconsin, 90mph winds snapped trees, damaged buildings and left at least 200,000 people without power. Hailstones of up to 2.5in in diameter hammered La Crosse County.
The severe weather hit Minneapolis-St Paul during rush hour. Northwest Airlines cancelled about 50 flights in order to check aircraft for hail damage. About 41,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power.
Storms also hit northern Minnesota and a woman was injured near Brainerd when 60mph winds struck the area.
The mass of thunderstorms moved eastwards into Michigan early on Tuesday, dumping up to two inches of rain, starting several fires and knocking out power to more than 31,000 customers.
No injuries were reported.
