ACTIVE WEATHER ALERT: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR MINNESOTA UNTIL 8 PM CDT

Midwest Derecho Emergency

Powerful Storm System Causes Widespread Damage Across Minnesota

July 30, 2025

Damage in Minneapolis from derecho storm (Source: KARE 11)

Powerful Derecho Slams Midwest

A destructive derecho storm swept across the Midwest early this morning, causing extensive damage in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. The fast-moving storm system brought hurricane-force winds exceeding 90 mph, torrential rain, and widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands.

90+ mph winds 400,000+ without power
90+ mph

Peak Wind Gusts

400K+

Customers Without Power

1000+

Reports of Downed Trees

Understanding Derecho Storms

Definition

A derecho (pronounced deh-REY-cho) is a widespread, long-lived wind storm associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. The term comes from the Spanish word for "straight," distinguishing these storms from tornadoes which feature rotating winds.

Characteristics

  • Wind damage extending more than 240 miles
  • Wind gusts of at least 58 mph along most of its length
  • Several pockets of 75+ mph wind gusts
  • Typically moves in a straight line
  • Can last several hours

Historical Context

"Derechos are relatively rare events, occurring about once every 2-4 years in any given location. However, when they do strike, they can cause damage equivalent to a major hurricane."

- National Weather Service Meteorologist

Notable Midwest Derechos

  • 2020: Iowa-Illinois derecho caused $11 billion in damage
  • 2012: "Super Derecho" affected 10 states from Indiana to Virginia
  • 1998: Minnesota-Wisconsin derecho caused widespread damage

Storm Impact Across Minnesota

Regional Damage Reports

  • Minneapolis-St. Paul: Widespread tree damage, structural damage to buildings
  • Rochester: Roofs torn off commercial buildings
  • Duluth: Power outages affecting 80% of city
  • St. Cloud: Semi-trucks overturned on I-94
  • Sioux Falls: Significant damage to residential areas

Infrastructure Impact

  • Multiple highways closed due to debris and overturned vehicles
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport operations suspended
  • Water treatment facilities operating on backup generators
  • Cell service outages reported across affected areas

Weather Station Data

Wind speed measurements during peak of derecho storm

Emergency Response

  • Minnesota National Guard activated for debris clearance
  • Red Cross opening shelters in hardest hit areas
  • State of Emergency declared by Governor Walz

Power Outage Crisis

Xcel Energy Outages

Xcel Energy reports over 300,000 customers without power across Minnesota, with the Twin Cities metro area hardest hit. Restoration efforts are underway but complicated by extensive damage to infrastructure.

Restoration Timeline

Xcel estimates 48-72 hours for most customers, with some remote areas potentially waiting 5-7 days

Outage Map

Utility Company Updates

Xcel Energy 300K+ outages

All available crews working 24/7 restoration efforts

Dakota Electric 45K outages

Prioritizing critical infrastructure restoration

Minnesota Power 55K outages

Assessing damage in northern Minnesota

Safety Information

  • Treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous
  • Use generators outdoors only to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Report outages to your utility provider
  • Check on neighbors, especially elderly and vulnerable

Weather Forecast & Alerts

Current Warnings

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Until 8:00 PM CDT for Twin Cities metro area

Flash Flood Warning

Southern Minnesota until 10:00 PM CDT

Weather Outlook

Additional thunderstorms are possible through the evening, though not expected to reach derecho intensity. Temperatures will remain in the low 80s with high humidity.

Local Forecasts

Minneapolis
80°F | 70% rain
Rochester
82°F | T-storms
Duluth
76°F | 60% rain
Sioux Falls
85°F | Partly cloudy

Weather Resources

KARE 11 Weather KCCI Weather NWS Twin Cities

Safety Information & Resources

During the Storm

  • Stay indoors away from windows and exterior doors
  • If driving, pull over safely and turn on hazard lights
  • Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords
  • Use battery-powered devices for weather updates

After the Storm

  • Inspect property for damage carefully
  • Photograph damage for insurance claims
  • Avoid standing water that may be electrically charged
  • Discard any food exposed to temperatures above 40°F for 2+ hours

Emergency Resources

Report Power Outages

Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-1999

Emergency Shelter

Minneapolis Convention Center: 1301 2nd Ave S

Debris Removal

Call 311 for downed trees on public property

Food Assistance

Second Harvest Heartland: 651-484-5117

Live Updates

4:45 PM POWER UPDATE

Xcel Energy reports 310,000 customers still without power across Minnesota

4:20 PM WEATHER

Severe thunderstorm warning extended until 8 PM for Twin Cities metro area

3:55 PM TRANSPORTATION

I-94 reopened between Minneapolis and St. Cloud after debris clearance

3:30 PM SAFETY

Red Cross opens 3 additional shelters in Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud

3:05 PM DAMAGE

Preliminary damage estimates exceed $100 million across affected areas