Strong Summer Storm Leaves Damage Behind In Parts Of Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (AP/WCCO) — Tens of thousands of people are without power in southeastern Minnesota after a powerful storm toppled trees and power lines, caused flash flooding and damage from hail the size of golf balls.
Xcel Energy reported about 76,000 customers were without service early Wednesday, down from about 136,000 at the height of the storm Tuesday night.
Wright-Hennepin County Co-op Electric said more than 2,000 are still without power, and Dakota Electric reported 100 outages.
The National Weather Service reported a tornado touchdown in Wabasha County, but there were no immediate reports of widespread damage. Wind gusts of nearly 80 miles per hour uprooted trees and scattered large branches across roadways.
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The storm packed winds that reached up to 70 miles per hour at times. WCCO's Kylie Bearse said the strongest winds were reported in Cannon Falls. Winds there were gusting at 79 mph around 8 p.m. This is hurricane strength, as Category 1 winds reach 74 mph.
Lightning also wreaked havoc and is blamed for several house fires.
A viewer sent is a picture of a fire that started at a townhome complex in Monticello around 7 p.m. The Wright County Sheriff's Office said it started due to a lightning strike.
Three town homes were damaged in the fire.
The people living in the town homes had to find another place to stay, but the good news is that everyone did make it out safely.
A home in Coon Rapids was also hit by lightning. The bolt went through the roof, starting a fire in the attic.
Everyone inside the home got out safely.
Firefighters put the fire out before it spread into the home.
The Star Tribune reports first responders rescued people from their vehicles after water quickly flooded streets in Roseville and Fridley. Drivers in Minneapolis were also caught off guard by flash flooding. The storm delayed the Minnesota Twins game at Target Field and diverted some flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
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