(Radio Iowa) — Powerful winds and heavy rain hit northwest Iowa last (Thursday) night, leaving a mess behind. Emmet County was one of the areas hit hardest with destructive winds and heavy rainfall. There were reports of power outages, as well as numerous trees and branches down.

Extensive damage occurred at the Green Plains ethanol plant office in Superior, and damage to equipment and trucks was reported to have taken place at the Superior Co-op. Part of the roof was torn off, along with blown out windows and an outside wall was ripped off the structure.

There were also reports of buildings and homes in the Estherville area that sustained extensive damage. As a precaution, several businesses along Central Avenue were evacuated because of a natural gas leak. Iowa Lakes Community College evacuated students from two dorm buildings due to downed power lines. All students were safe and were able to return to the dorms later in the evening.