Over 45,000 Xcel Energy customers experienced power outages across Minnesota as storms moved through.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Watches were active across large parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area, and extended into Wisconsin.
Wind gusts up to 80 mph, quarter-sized hail, and isolated tornadoes were reported or possible in various areas.
Why this matters: These storms pose immediate safety risks due to strong winds, potential flying debris, and lightning. The extensive power outages can disrupt daily life, affect essential services, and highlight the need for preparedness during severe weather events. Property damage from high winds and hail can also result in significant repair costs for affected residents.
The storm system, which developed in the Dakotas on Tuesday evening, tracked eastward into western Minnesota around midnight before intensifying and spreading across central Minnesota and into the Twin Cities metro area in the early hours of Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Counties under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings at various times included Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey, Washington, Clearwater, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Otter Tail, Swift, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, and Yellow Medicine in Minnesota, along with Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin. Additionally, a Tornado Watch was in effect for several southwestern Minnesota counties, including Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock.
Reports indicated wind gusts of 40-60 mph in the Twin Cities metro, with some areas like Swift and Chippewa Counties experiencing gusts up to 80 mph. Hail, ranging from pea-sized to quarter-sized, was also a concern, with potential for damage to vehicles, roofs, siding, and trees.
As of 3:45 AM CDT, Xcel Energy reported 460 outages impacting over 45,000 customers. Readers can check the Xcel Energy outage map for the latest information.
How to Prepare:
Stay Informed: Monitor local weather alerts and warnings from reliable sources like the National Weather Service.
Seek Shelter: During a severe thunderstorm, move indoors to a sturdy building and stay away from windows. For tornado warnings, go to the lowest level of a building, an interior room, or a designated storm shelter.
Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down any loose outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
Have an Emergency Kit: Include flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and enough water and non-perishable food for at least 72 hours.
Charge Devices: Ensure mobile phones and other essential devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
Who This Affects Most:
Residents in western, central, and southeastern Minnesota, as well as parts of western Wisconsin, are most directly impacted by these storms. This includes homeowners facing potential property damage, commuters experiencing travel delays due to heavy rain and downed branches, and anyone relying on electricity, especially those with medical needs. The agricultural sector in affected rural areas could also see impacts from heavy rain and hail.
Q: Which areas were under the highest risk for severe weather?
A: Western and central Minnesota were under a Level 2 (slight) and Level 3 (enhanced) risk, while the Twin Cities metro area was under a Level 1 and Level 2 risk.
Q: What caused these severe thunderstorms?
A: A combination of hot and humid conditions on Tuesday led to the development of thunderstorms in the Dakotas, which then moved eastward into Minnesota overnight.
Q: Where can I find current power outage information?
A: For Xcel Energy customers, the latest outage map is available on their official website.
Severe weather can escalate quickly; always prioritize safety by staying informed and having an emergency plan.
Widespread power outages highlight the importance of having backup power solutions or knowing where to go if power is lost for an extended period.
Even after the initial storms pass, the risk of severe weather can persist, as forecasted for Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Did these storms affect your area, or have you experienced similar severe weather events? Share your experiences and any preparedness tips in the comments below!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Do you think the frequency or intensity of these storm systems is changing? Let us know!
## **Image URL https://yanuki.com/images/midwest-storms-june-2026.jpg** ### **Introduction** On June 10, 2026, a series of severe storms an...
Pennsylvania is facing a double whammy of severe weather this week, with thunderstorm warnings and watches in effect across the western regi...
Southern Wisconsin is bracing for another day of severe weather on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with forecasters issuing "First Alert Days" due ...
Eastern Iowa has been hit by a series of powerful severe storms on Wednesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 11, 2026, leading to significant ...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer