National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

With the circus in town, the population swelled as unsuspecting victims poured into New Richmond for the festivities. The tornado originated as a spectacular waterspout on Lake St. Croix. The funnel moved to the northeast in the direction of New Richmond. Three people were killed at two locations as farms were leveled near Burkhardt and Boardman. Shortly after the circus ended, the tornado passed through the very center of town, completely leveling buildings in what was estimated to be a strip about 1000 feet wide and 3000 feet long.

Over 300 buildings were damaged or destroyed. A 3000 pound safe was carried a full block. Massive amounts of flying debris resulted in multiple deaths in at least 26 different families. Six families had four or more deaths. The good visibility of the funnel may have prevented an even higher death total.