June 18 – Severe thunderstorms, packing heavy rains, left a trail of destruction across northeastern Minnesota tonight. Roads, streets, and state highways were made impassable due to flooding and washouts. One of the communities hit hardest was Cook. The nearby Littlefork River overflowed its banks and flooded the entire downtown area. Businesses like the Comet Theater, Frank’s Pharmacy and Montana Cafe were extensively damaged by high water. Public safety personnel evacuated residents and shut down streets leading to the business district. No injuries were reported. Officials are now conducting damage assessments to determine if the area is eligible for state and federal disaster assistance. Governor Tim Walz and a handful of state officials toured the damaged areas, vowing to assist the city in rebuilding its public infrastructure.
