Severe Storm Knocks Out Power in Minnesota and Wisconsin

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — A powerful storm swept through the Twin Cities on Thursday afternoon, bringing heavy rain, thunder, and high winds that caused extensive damage and left thousands without power.

As of 9 p.m., KARE 11 reported that approximately 4,100 customers in the metropolitan area were experiencing power outages. The storm also affected parts of western Wisconsin, where Xcel Energy reported hundreds of outages in the Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie areas.

In addition to the Twin Cities outages, nearly 19,000 total outages were reported across Xcel Energy’s coverage area, with the majority located in the southern part of Minnesota, from Willmar to Eau Claire. The metro region accounted for the highest concentration of outages.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for northern Mille Lacs County due to the severe weather conditions. Residents were warned to keep their distance from downed power lines and debris and to report hazards to local authorities.

In nearby Michiana, similar weather events led to more than 30,000 outages as strong storms moved through late Thursday night. More than 19,000 outages occurred in Berrien County alone, along with significant outages reported in LaPorte and Cass counties.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news sources and follow safety guidelines during severe weather.