SW Rochester Hit Hardest by Tuesday’s Storm
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – A strong storm system ripped through Rochester late Tuesday afternoon with high winds that toppled trees and caused other damage and led to the activation of the city’s outdoor warning sirens.
It appears the SW part of the city took the brunt of the front as it moved through, leading to power outages in the thousands and widespread tree damage.
The Rochester Fire Dept. responded to numerous incidents, including a home in the 600 block of Southtown Heights Dr. SW which had its roof completely blown off. A tree crashed through a wall of a home in the 3500 block of Odyssey Dr. SW and construction trailers were blown over at Bamber Valley Elementary School. RFD crews also found several downed trees and powerlines along 18th Ave. SW which resulted in the road being closed from Mayowood Rd. SW to Westwood Rd. SW.
RPU also reports water service was interrupted for a while in an area mainly south of 40th St SW due to a power outage.
A different cell struck Dodge County, producing 2 - 3-inch hail in the Dodge Center and Kasson areas.
Wind gusts of 60-70 mph were reported in Dodge, Fillmore and Olmsted counties but so far, there have been no reports of tornadic activity.
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