Severe storms leave damage across Midwest

Communities across the Midwest are cleaning up after a round of severe weather brought damaging winds, possible tornadoes and widespread power outages.

(CNN)- Communities across the Midwest are cleaning up after a round of severe weather brought damaging winds, possible tornadoes and widespread power outages.

In Wisconsin, emergency crews responded to storm damage after powerful winds tore through parts of the state Wednesday.

“There were occupants inside. There was a resident in the main building that the roof came off,” said Mark Franz, assistant chief of the Horicon Fire Department.

The storms also destroyed the iconic Culver’s barn, leaving residents surveying significant damage. Despite the destruction, community members quickly stepped in to help one another.

“Neighbors are coming together as you can see helping one another out throughout the community,” said Lomira Fire Chief Kurtis Haefs.

The severe weather outbreak impacted several Midwestern states and included at least two reported tornadoes. One tornado was captured on video near Lucerne, Missouri, while another possible tornado was spotted near Unionville. In neighboring Kansas, threatening storm clouds stretched across the horizon as severe weather moved through the region.

Strong winds also uprooted trees and caused additional damage across multiple states. In Minnesota, powerful winds were blamed for a train derailment as severe storms swept through the area. The storms also brought down trees and knocked out power for tens of thousands of customers. Illinois was also hit hard, particularly in the Chicago area, where strong winds ripped part of a roof off a building and scattered debris across nearby streets.

 Motorists were forced to navigate around the debris as cleanup efforts got underway.

Authorities continue assessing the damage as residents across the Midwest begin recovery efforts following the storms.