Litchfield, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Mark Dayton traveled to central Minnesota Wednesday afternoon to view the damage caused by Monday evening’s storms and to speak with local officials about the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

His visit focused on Litchfield and Watkins in Meeker County, where tornadoes damaged dozens of homes and other properties, including an assisted living center where 50 people had to be evacuated during the storm. After viewing the damage in Litchfield, the governor indicated it appears likely that Meeker County would be eligible for assistance through a special state fund.

The same weather system produced torrential rain across portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin that has resulted in significant flooding in east-central Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. Late Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency indicated it was responding to a significant release of raw sewage caused by the flooding in Moose Lake. In northern Wisconsin, two drownings have been blamed on the flood waters.

Severe storms hit sections of south-central Minnesota Wednesday morning and brought nearly 60 mile-per-hour winds and damaging hail to some areas. There were numerous reports of downed trees and power lines in both Blue Earth and Watonwan Counties.

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