Severe storm system weakens over Minneapolis-St. Paul
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – The severe thunderstorm warning issued Thursday evening for the Twin Cities metro area has been officially canceled. The intense storm front, which moved across Kandiyohi County toward the western metro, brought destructive winds peaking between 80 and 90 mph (129–145 km/h) during the 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. window.
From destructive to drenching: storm evolution
By 8:30 p.m. CDT, meteorologists noted that the storm system had weakened significantly. While earlier gusts posed serious risks, the system is now primarily a rainmaker, bringing steady rainfall and wind speeds ranging from 20 to 40 mph (32–64 km/h) as it continues its eastward track across the Minneapolis-St. Paul corridor.
Storm impact transitions toward heavy rain
Although lightning activity and thunder are still expected intermittently, storm cells have lost their severe status, shifting focus to localized flooding potential in low-lying areas of the metro. Rainfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour in some zones, especially across suburban counties adjacent to the urban core.
Residents across Hennepin, Ramsey, and surrounding counties should remain alert for water accumulation on roads, especially near underpasses and intersections throughout the overnight hours into early Friday.
Stay tuned for further updates as the system progresses into eastern Minnesota and approaches western Wisconsin.
