Severe Storms Sweep Through Twin Cities, Leaving Thousands Without Power
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - Severe storms rocked the Twin Cities early this morning, causing widespread damage and power outages across the metro area. The National Weather Service issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for the Twin Cities Metro as strong winds and hail battered the region between 4:45 AM and 6:30 AM.
Residents reported power outages as the storms, with winds reaching 60-70+ mph, uprooted large trees and snapped massive branches, which fell onto power lines. The southern Metro was particularly hard hit, with numerous calls to emergency services for arcing power lines and even power lines catching fire after being struck by falling trees and debris. Some residents found themselves trapped in elevators during the outages, necessitating rescue efforts.
As of 10:30 AM, Dakota Electric reported that about 355 customers were still without power, with the majority of those outages concentrated on the east side of Burnsville and into Apple Valley. Xcel Energy also reported significant disruptions, with over 102,700 customers affected by more than 2,600 outages across the Twin Cities Metro.
Utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible, but it may take some time due to the extent of the damage. Residents are urged to remain cautious, especially around downed power lines, and to report any further outages or hazardous conditions.
The above images are from Dakota Electric, Xcel Energy, and PowerOutage.us.
The photographs in the album at the beginning of this story were captured this morning in the neighborhoods east and west of Galaxie Avenue and between 132nd Street and 140th Street in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Did you see or receive storm damage from the storms this morning? We would love to see your photos and videos! Feel free to send them to use via email or any of our social media pages!
