Shelter in a storm

The designated storm shelter areas of Cloquet Middle School were packed with athletes, coaches and fans Thursday evening as much of Carlton County was under a tornado warning as soccer, volleyball and swim competitions were underway. The shelter was warranted as circulating thunderstorms moved up the Interstate 35 corridor, dumping heavy rain and hail on its way north, where, in Cotton, 36 miles directly north of Cloquet, an tornado touched down, causing minor damage. The National Weather Service office in Duluth was predicting wild weather as a cold front swept through the area in the late afternoon Sept. 19. Storms were popping up throughout the region. "In total, eight tornado warnings, nine severe thunderstorm warnings and two special marine warnings were issued," the service reported. A tornado in rural Cotton, touching down for about 5 miles with wind speeds estimated at just more than 100 mph, was the only one confirmed. The indoor sports continued in Cloquet after the delay. Find scores and read about the teams beginning on Page 7.