Severe Storms Bring Damaging Winds, Hail, and Power Outages to Minnesota

Severe thunderstorms swept through central and southern Minnesota on Monday night, bringing damaging winds and hail. Wind gusts reached 65 mph in Silver Lake, 63 mph in Eden Prairie, and 62 mph near Willmar. Hail measuring 1.75 inches fell in Lester Prairie and Parkers Prairie, while funnel clouds were reported near Essig and Kerkhoven. The storms caused widespread wind damage, toppling trees in Waconia, Isanti, and North Branch. Nearly 100,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power, and the Happy Together Grandstand concert at the State Fair was canceled.