Severe T-Strom Prompts Over 9000 Power Outages in Rochester, Leaves Downed Tree Limbs in its Wake
Rochester, MN (RochesterNow)- Rochester is waking up to the fallout from a severe thunderstorm Wednesday morning.
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The storm left thousands of power outages in its wake and caused large tree limbs to come crashing down to the ground.
The city’s outdoor warning sirens sounded three times around 1:30 Wednesday morning.
Wind Gusts Over 60mph Knock Out Power, Take Down Large Tree Limbs in Rochester
Storm reports are still being gathered but a 68 mph wind gust was reported around 1:30 Wednesday. The National Weather Service recorded the gust at the St. Mary’s Heliport.
A 61 mph wind gust was recorded around 1:30 a.m. at the Rochester Airport and another 61 mph gust occurred near the Highland Ridge neighborhood which is east of 50th Ave. SE and north of Hwy. 52 southeast of Rochester.
There was also a report of a water intrusion into the Mayo Clinic expansion construction zone in downtown Rochester, according to the National Weather Service.
Thousands Without Power
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) says 62 outages are impacting 7970 customers as of 7:20 Wednesday morning.
RPU reported as many as 9400 power outages around 6:00 Wednesday morning.
“Our crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. For your safety, please stay clear of any downed power lines and always assume they are energized. Thank you for your patience as our crews work to restore service. We will continue to share updates here as more information becomes available,” an RPU Facebook post says.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams
