CAMBRIDGE, Minn. — Cambridge officials and residents are assessing the damage Thursday, just hours after heavy rain caused flooding across parts of the city.
A spokesperson for the Isanti County Sheriff's Office told KARE 11 late Wednesday that the city was affected by "large, localized flooding" and minor damage to various structures following heavy winds, rain and hail.
Amidst the destruction already known to authorities is flooding to the city's new library and a car dealership, along with damage to a railroad stop arm caused by falling tree limbs and blowing debris.
The spokesperson said several power lines were also downed, causing intermittent power outages in some areas, while wind gusts as strong as 40 mph and nickel-sized hail were also reported.
Cambridge City Administrator Evan Vogel said so far, his team has been in contact with 12 homeowners with water damage in their basements, some of them with water up to three feet high.
“If they’ve been displaced they should contact city hall and we will direct them through the city’s emergency operations line,” Vogel said. “If you have standing water in your home, don’t touch anything electric.”
The sheriff's office added that several vehicles were left stranded as a result of the storm, which dropped between 4 and 5 inches of rain - a serious deluge - over a two-hour period.
The city library closed because of water damage and is expected to reopen Friday.
During a briefing with reporters Wednesday night city officials said they have not received any reports of injuries.
The city of Cambridge says it will continue to provide updates on its Facebook page and website.
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