Severe Weather Plunges Thousands In Twin Cities Into Darkness

David

3 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Severe Weather Plunges Thousands in Twin Cities into Darkness

A powerful storm system swept through the Twin Cities metropolitan area last night, leaving thousands without power and causing significant disruption across the region. High winds, torrential rain, and even reports of hail pummeled the area, leaving a trail of damage and prompting emergency response teams to work through the night. The impact on residents has been substantial, with many facing a long wait for power restoration.

The storm, which meteorologists are describing as a "derecho" due to its widespread damaging winds, hit the Twin Cities with unexpected ferocity. Gusts exceeding 60 mph were reported in several suburbs, resulting in downed power lines, uprooted trees, and significant damage to property. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued numerous severe thunderstorm warnings and wind advisories throughout the evening, but the intensity of the storm surpassed many predictions.

Thousands Without Power, Long Restoration Times Expected

As of this morning, Xcel Energy, the primary electricity provider for the Twin Cities, reports that over 150,000 customers are without power. The company has deployed hundreds of crews to assess the damage and begin repairs, but the scale of the outages means restoration could take several days for some areas. Xcel Energy's website ([link to Xcel Energy outage map]) provides an up-to-the-minute view of affected areas and estimated restoration times. Residents are urged to check the site regularly for updates.

Key areas hardest hit include:

• North Minneapolis: Significant tree damage and power line failures have been reported.
• Saint Paul's East Side: Numerous reports of downed trees blocking roads and causing damage to homes.
• Suburban areas of Bloomington and Edina: Widespread power outages and property damage.

Safety Precautions and Community Support

With temperatures expected to remain cool overnight, authorities are urging residents without power to take necessary precautions. These include:

• Staying warm: Bundle up in layers and seek shelter in a warm location if possible.
• Food safety: Discard any perishable food items that have been left unrefrigerated for an extended period.
• Carbon monoxide awareness: Never use generators, grills, or other fuel-burning devices indoors.
• Reporting downed power lines: Report any downed power lines immediately to Xcel Energy or local emergency services.

Community support is also springing up across the region. Numerous churches and community centers are opening their doors to provide shelter and resources to those affected. Social media is buzzing with offers of assistance, showcasing the resilience and generosity of Twin Cities residents. For those seeking assistance, check your local community boards and social media for updates on support efforts.

Looking Ahead: Assessing the Damage and Recovery Efforts

The full extent of the damage caused by the severe weather is still being assessed. Teams from city and county governments, alongside utility companies, are working diligently to clear roads, repair infrastructure, and restore power. The coming days will be crucial for recovery efforts, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. This is a developing story, so stay tuned for further updates.

Keywords: Twin Cities, severe weather, power outage, storm damage, derecho, Xcel Energy, Minnesota, weather update, power restoration, community support, safety precautions.