Severe Storms Pack Strong Winds/Hail in MN

(Learfield News/Chanhassen, MN) — The severe thunderstorms that moved across Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and evening were packing strong winds and large hail.

The National Weather Service reported two-and-a-half-inch hail near Backus, Chisholm and Finlayson; two inch in White Earth and Crosslake, one-and-three-quarter inch hail in Madison, Walker and Aitkin; and one inch stones in Alexandria, Breckenridge, Zimmerman and Ely.

The top wind gust was 61 miles per hour near Sartell which downed trees and caused a power outage.

There is a lot of damage in Crow Wing County including trees down and a boat lift and dock destroyed in Breezy Point.

Several severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued. One report indicated a tornado on the ground in Morrison County.