On Tuesday, June 24, 2003, severe thunderstorms spawned three tornadoes that touched down here at 7:46 p.m. The F2 tornadoes, with winds as high as 157 miles an hour, struck several farms immediately south of town, then bore down upon the community, leaving in their wake a path of destruction in the southwest, central Main Street, and west end of town, destroying 15 homes and businesses and damaging 159 others, including Buffalo Lake's two churches. Fortunately, no lives were lost, thanks to early civil defense warning sirens. Total damage costs exceeded $6 million in Buffalo Lake, with a similar damage amount estimated on area farms. Lives were shattered and dreams broken, but the community dedicated itself to rebuild, renew and prosper once again.