Rushmore,MN (KROC AM News) -  The National Weather Service has confirmed three small tornadoes touched down in southwest Minnesota Friday evening.

All three were rated EF1s and mostly caused crop damage, although one slammed into a hog barn, killing about two dozen pigs. A garage and grain bin were also damaged.

The NWS says the twisters touched down near Rushmore, south of Worthington. An EF2 tornado also touched down near Melvin, IA.  

The three Minnesota tornadoes had peak wind speeds of 91 mph - 110 mph and were 50 - 100 yards in width. They were on the ground for several minutes, covering between 1 - 2 miles.

A tornado touched down in Rochester, MN on this date (Aug 21) in 1883, killing nearly 40 people and causing widespread damage. The deadly twister is credited with indirectly starting a medical practise that would become the now world famous Mayo Clinic.

More From KRFO-FM