Severe Thunderstorms Pound Minnesota as Heat Index Hits Triple Digits
As Minnesota braces for a tumultuous evening, severe thunderstorms have unleashed their fury across the state, bringing with them a dramatic shift from the extreme heat that has gripped the region. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, including a severe thunderstorm warning and a severe thunderstorm watch, as storms roll through the area.
The day began with intense heat, with the heat index soaring past 100 degrees in many locations. In the Twin Cities, temperatures felt like a sweltering 103 degrees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Southern Minnesota experienced even more extreme conditions, with heat indices reaching a staggering 111 degrees in Owatonna. This oppressive heat set the stage for the violent weather that was to come.
By 7 p.m., the first wave of storms moved into the Twin Cities metro area, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, and large hail. The storms, which initially sparked a severe thunderstorm watch earlier in the afternoon, have now escalated into a severe thunderstorm warning for numerous counties, including Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Polk, Dakota, Ramsey, St. Croix, and Washington. Residents in these areas can expect considerable damage from large hail and strong winds, with gusts reaching 70-90 mph.
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The weather turmoil has not only disrupted daily life but also forced a temporary halt to activities at the Minnesota State Fair. Fair-goers were advised to seek shelter as the storms approached, with rides, attractions, and some vendors closing temporarily. As of the latest reports, Xcel Energy is dealing with over 76,000 power outages across the metro area.
The storms have already caused significant damage. In Lester Prairie, hailstones as large as 1.75 inches in diameter were reported. Waconia has seen downed trees and power outages, while a large pine tree has been uprooted in Mendota. The severity of these conditions is underscored by the tornado sirens that have sounded across the region, indicating winds in excess of 70 mph.
This is just the beginning. A second line of storms is expected to develop and move through Minnesota late Monday night into early Tuesday morning. The storms could bring additional heavy rain and potentially more severe weather, including the risk of flash flooding.
In the midst of these severe conditions, there is a silver lining: the storms will provide some relief from the scorching heat. As the storm system progresses, temperatures are expected to drop, offering a respite from the extreme heat that has been prevalent throughout the day.
Stay tuned to local weather updates and seek shelter if you're in an affected area. For the latest updates and to track the storm's progress, consider downloading the FOX 9 Weather app. If you encounter any storm damage, FOX 9 encourages you to submit your photos to their website.
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