Overview
- A fast-moving line of storms that formed over the Dakotas and Nebraska swept into Minnesota overnight and reached the Twin Cities in the early hours, producing widespread high winds.
- A weather station near Marietta recorded an 83 mph gust and the National Weather Service logged other gusts as high as 78, 74 and 72 mph across the region, signaling wind-driven damage rather than tornadoes.
- Minnesota utilities reported more than 65,000 customers without power early Wednesday and crews from Xcel Energy and other providers were mobilized to respond to downed lines.
- Officials warned people to stay away from downed or sagging power lines and to assume any fallen line is energized while crews assess damage and begin repairs.
- Forecasters expect a midday lull followed by a renewed threat of severe storms for eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin this afternoon and evening, which could widen outages and slow restoration.