Morning Storms Hammer Twin Cities With 50 MPH Winds

TWIN CITIES, MN — Strong thunderstorms are moving across the Twin Cities metro this morning, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts up to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

A special weather statement issued at 7:14 a.m. showed storms stretching from Eagan to Cannon Falls, moving northeast at 35 mph.

The system is capable of producing winds near 40 mph, with gusts strong enough to knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Another line of storms earlier this morning, moving at 55 mph from Delano to Green Isle, carried gusts up to 50 mph and torrential rain that could cause flash flooding.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 9 a.m. for Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, and 18 other Minnesota counties.

Drivers should expect downpours and reduced visibility. The weather service urges people not to drive through flooded roads and to stay alert as storms continue to move through.