GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Nearly 14,000 people were without power Tuesday evening as storms, some severe, moved from the southwest corner of Minnesota into western Wisconsin.
According to Xcel Energy, 13,967 customers were without power at around 7 p.m., spanning from the Twin Cities metro down south of Mankato. About 4,000 customers were still without power at 10 p.m., with reports of some damage in parts of the state.
KARE 11 photojournalist David Peterlinz spoke with one family in Zumbrota, who said a tree was brought down — likely by straight-line winds — hitting a portion of the home. The homeowner told KARE 11 the tree didn't damage the house, but "impaled" the garage, leaving a large chunk sticking out of its roof.
Before heavy rain moved into the southwestern corner of Minnesota, Iowa residents began sharing photos and videos on social media of massive tornadoes and their aftermath.
A few of the storms produced some minor rotation, which KARE 11 Meteorologist Ben Dery said is the early indication of a tornado. However, the rotation was weak, and no tornadoes were reported.
In Blue Earth County, heavy downpours reportedly dropped up to an inch-and-a-half of rain within a short period earlier Tuesday afternoon, causing minor flash flooding.
As of 7 p.m., a flood watch remained in effect for parts of Greater Minnesota until early Wednesday morning.
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