HUDSON, Wis. — Downburst winds left several thousand residents without power and damaged numerous buildings Monday in western Wisconsin, according to weather officials.
The National Weather Service said there were gusts of up to 85 mph that accompanied heavy rain and hail during Monday's storm. Cleanup continued on Tuesday and power has been restored to most residents. As of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, less than 200 people in the Hudson area were still without power. Xcel Energy said about 20,000 people around the Twin Cities were without electricity at one point.
The property damage was extensive throughout the Hudson area, including an apartment complex that was left with significant roof damage. The strong winds also knocked down several trees, including one that left a family with a large hole in their roof.
"The kids were cycling through joking and breaking down crying yesterday," said Kevin Bonneau on Tuesday. "So it's been rough on them."
There was also significant damage in surrounding areas throughout the Twin Cities, including Mahtomedi where crews were busy Tuesday cleaning up.
Severe storms bring hail to Minnesota, Wisconsin
KARE 11's Eva Anderson was in White Bear Lake and White Bear Township during Sunrise, and said there were downed trees blocking the roads and littering yards, promising a long day of cleanup ahead.
Margaret Ford, mayor of Birchwood Village, said it's the second severe storm the area has seen in less than a week.
"I feel like everybody pitches into action so soon after it happens and there's really good communication. I get notified but the city is very responsible. The neighbors and the community just help each other," Mayor Ford said.
Meanwhile, public works crews in Mahtomedi cleared downed trees ahead of another hot day tomorrow.
"Tomorrow it's supposed to be really bad. Heat index is about 100. So we're trying to get it done today and then tomorrow we'll try to find jobs that you can stay in a vehicle or work inside the shop, stay out of the heat," said employee Tom Schwichtenberg.
*This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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