Destructive Severe Thunderstorm Leaves Damaging Wake After Striking Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Cleanup efforts are underway across Rochester and southeast Minnesota after a destructive thunderstorm hit the area Monday morning.

Read More: Severe Thunderstorm Takes Down Trees, Knocks Down Power in Southeast Minnesota

Many southeastern Minnesotans woke up to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning on the morning of June 17.

The National Weather Service says trained storm spotters reported measuring a peak wind gust of 62 mph in Rochester.

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A large tree was taken down during the storm and blocked a portion of 14th St. in Northeast Rochester, just east of 11th Ave.

The severe storm also inflicted damage to the outdoor facilities at the Rochester Athletic Club, which forced the fitness center to close its outdoor pool, clay courts, and Cabana until further notice.

Rochester Public Utilities reported 3,200 power outages in the wake of the storm. Power restoration efforts were still ongoing as of 11:00 Monday morning. 

The same storm system also hit Kasson in Dodge County. The strong winds disconnected the roof of a commercial building, which caused the roof to land on power lines. 

So far no injuries have been reported. Check out photos of the aftermath of Monday morning's destructive storm in Rochester below.

Officials are reminding the community to stay away from downed powerlines and to avoid powerlines that are making contact with vegetation.

Individuals with medication that requires refrigeration are being advised to bring the medication to a medical facility.

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