Thousands of people in the Twin Cities area are still without power after powerful storms swept across Minnesota on Sunday, bringing tornado warnings, heavy rain, and damaging winds.
Storms Hit Hard Sunday Evening
The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings Sunday afternoon and evening, including tornado and severe thunderstorm alerts. The weather system developed in western Minnesota and moved eastward, hitting the Twin Cities metro with strong winds, heavy rain, and hail.
Early tornado warnings were issued around 6:00 p.m. for areas like Kandiyohi, Meeker, Stearns, and Hennepin counties. By 7:30 p.m., severe thunderstorm warnings were active for parts of Carver, Hennepin, and Wright counties, as the line of storms continued to move across the state. Tornado warnings were later canceled, but damaging winds and storms continued through the night.
By 8:43 p.m., flash flood warnings were in effect for parts of Ramsey and Washington counties due to intense rainfall. The widespread severe weather stretched from southern to northern Minnesota, with the strongest impacts felt in the Twin Cities area.
Power Outages Impact Tens of Thousands
As a result of the storms, more than 74,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power across Minnesota Sunday night, with the majority of outages concentrated in the metro area. Hennepin and Ramsey counties were the hardest hit, accounting for more than 45,000 of those outages.
By 7:40 a.m. Monday morning, the number of customers still without power had dropped to about 34,000. Xcel Energy reported that over 500 crew members were working around the clock to restore electricity. However, the utility company warned that the damage was significant in some locations, and full restoration may not be completed until Wednesday.
In a statement, Xcel urged residents to stay away from any downed or sagging power lines. “Always assume a power line is live and dangerous,” the company warned. If you see a downed line, you are advised to call Xcel Energy immediately at 1-800-895-1999.
What Caused the Outages
Sunday’s storms included high winds and large hail, which caused trees and power lines to fall. The most severe weather occurred overnight, making cleanup and repairs more challenging. Crews have been working through difficult conditions to remove debris and restore electricity.
Looking Ahead
The severe thunderstorm watch issued Sunday covered a large portion of Minnesota and remained in effect until midnight. Forecasters had predicted isolated strong storms developing in the afternoon with the potential for damaging winds and large hail. The most intense part of the storm system hit overnight, as predicted, with strong winds, heavy rain, and scattered flooding reported in parts of the metro.
Stay Safe
Officials continue to advise caution during the ongoing recovery. Stay indoors during storms, avoid flooded areas, and never approach fallen power lines. Power restoration work is still underway, and residents are encouraged to check Xcel Energy’s website for the latest updates on outages in their area.
As cleanup continues and repair crews work to restore normalcy, residents are reminded to remain patient and prioritize safety in the aftermath of this powerful storm system.
