UPDATED: Sunday Storm, Tornado Leaves Our Northern Neighbors in Need of Some Help

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 4:45 p.m.

The tornado that swept through Hennepin, Anoka and Ramsey Counties Sunday was up to 1/2 mile wide at some points. With winds of at least 110 mph, the tornado first landed in St. Louis Park, whirled through Golden Valley, then tore up dozens of city blocks in North Minneapolis before moving on to Fridley. One person died in the storm, and dozens were wounded; one person died in the cleanup.

Neighbors who were spared the worst of Sunday's storms are mobilizing to go help their fellow citizens in North Minneapolis and other areas and Richfield residents can help too.

Whether you're able to donate your time, clothing, food or a little cash, every little bit can help.

Information

• Minneapolis has created an exclusion zone (see map at right) in North Minneapolis Monday as they fix gas leaks and clean up electric lines. Check here for updates on whether you'll be able to get through.
• Check this Facebook page for frequent updates, as well as resources for tornado victims. 
• See the PDF at right for information from the city on all aspects of the disaster.

Donations Needed

• Donations to the Red Cross: www.redcrosstc.org
• Minneapolis urges people to "donate funds, not goods." The Minneapolis Foundation established the Minnesota Helps - North Minneapolis Recovery Fund to assist with Northside housing and recover. To make a donation by credit card, visit www.GiveMN.org or send checks for the recovery effort to: The Minneapolis Foundation, 80 S. 8th St., Suite 800, Minneapolis, MN, 55402.
• KMOJ Radio, The Ackerberg Group and Catlyst Community Partners, will open the lower level of their studios in the Five Points Building at the Intersection of West Broadway Avenue and Penn Avenue North for donations of non-perishable food items, clothing, bottled water, etc. Call 612-377-3456 for more info.
• Wilsons Image Barbers, 1109 W. Broadway Minneapolis. Special relief drop-off of non-perishable food, water and clothing on Tuesday, May 24 at 6pm. Facebook event page here.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Minneapolis warned Monday that conditions in North Minneapolis are still too dangerous to volunteer.
• Urban Homeworks said not to come out to volunteer on Tuesday unless they've already spoken directly to you, although they're organizing more volunteers for Wednesday and after. Groups of 20-plus can email UHWTornadoRelief@gmail.com with "contact info (phone/email), size of group, any special skills & day/time (morning/afternoon shifts)." Individuals who want to volunteer should check the Urban Homeworks website (they're also taking donations now). Parking has been tight Monday, so volunteers are urged to carpool, bus or bike to the Cross Connections Center at 1823 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis.

If you are able to get out there and help, please share your photos and experiences on this article by making a comment or uploading a photo to the gallery. In addition, this article will be updated with new information.