Storms Destroy Church, Create Destructive Waterspout
Strong storms swept through Minnesota in two waves Saturday. Kayla Hegna took photographs Saturday morning as firefighters tried to save The Hawk Creek Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart Minnesota.
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Strong storms swept through Minnesota in two waves Saturday. Kayla Hegna took photographs Saturday morning as firefighters tried to save The Hawk Creek Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart Minnesota.
Minnesota apple orchards are reaping the benefits of a bumper crop this season, yet one grower in Watertown won't see the full harvest.
A Hudson man is shaken, to say the least, after lightning rocked his home last night. Lightning hit the roof, the power went out, and several appliances and electrical outlets were wiped out.
A severe storm swept through the Brainerd Lakes Area one month ago. It knocked out power for thousands in the area, and did extensive damage to homes and businesses. It took nearly a week before power was restored for some homeowners, and cleanup continues.
Federal officials are headed to the Brainerd Lakes Area on Monday and Tuesday to assess the damage after severe storms tore through the area earlier this month. Residents in the area will find out if the damage was enough for counties to qualify for disaster assistance.
Almost all of the 250,000 Xcel Energy customers who lost service early Saturday morning during severe storms have now had their power restored.
Xcel Energy says the number of Minnesota customers still without electricity after a weekend storm continues to shrink. A company spokeswoman says as of about 10 p.m. Sunday, the number of customers without service was down to about 5,400 around Twin Cities metro area.
The timing of the Saturday morning storm could not be worse for the Watertown area. The town was celebrating its annual Rails to Trails summer festival, but organizers canceled the event after surveying the damage.
The National Weather Service says an EF-1 tornado touched down in Carver County early Saturday morning during a loud and windy night of severe weather throughout the Twin Cities metro. The tornado caused extensive damage to trees and homes in Watertown and neighboring Hollywood Township.
A chorus of chainsaws and generator moans defines Jack Smith's Brainerd backyard. "I know the first place you go is to Fleet Farm, get a generator and try to get back in business," Smith said.
Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan will travel to the Brainerd Lakes area on Friday to tour storm damage. Dayton and Nolan also plan to meet with resort owners, emergency managers, local officials, residents and volunteers.
Parts of a Brainerd-area resort badly damaged by Sunday's severe storms are re-opening.
Storm cleanup continues in northern Minnesota during the height of vacation season. Some of the state's most popular resorts and campgrounds have shut down, causing many vacationers to make new plans.
Check out these viewer-submitted photos of storm damage from Sept. 3 and Sept. 4.
Residents of New Brighton are waiting to find out how a broken sewer near Long Lake will affect their homes. Monday's severe winds toppled a tree that uprooted the top of a sewer line just off 16th Terrace Avenue.
The storms that moved through the metro area Monday night were quick, but they caused a lot of damage in some areas. In New Brighton, winds up to 50 miles per hour blew through. Trees were uprooted, leaving a large hole in the ground.
Residents in parts of northern Minnesota are cleaning up Tuesday after severe storms swept through the area late Monday night. The Aitkin County Sheriff's Office said that the area of McGregor was hit hard, particularly the Eagle Point Camp Ground on Big Sandy Lake.
Tim Murphy has seen his share of Minnesota spring storms over the years. But he says the one that rolled through this uppertown St. Paul neighborhood Saturday afternoon was a little different. "This was a shorter storm and it was more violent in a chunkated amount of time," Murphy said.
A tree fell onto a homeowner's garage in Richfield, Minn. Saturday afternoon due to strong winds. The house was located around 67th Street and Clinton Avenue South. Power lines were also downed in that area, knocking out power.
We're seeing the effects of all that rainfall in several spots around the metro. Strong winds and soggy ground were too much for the trees at a mobile home park in Princeton. More than a dozen huge trees fell, damaging homes and cars.
While Thursday's tornadoes stayed south, parts of the Twin Cities did suffer wind damage. Employees cleaned up the mess outside of the Lakeville Walmart. Carl Cannon says shoppers started screaming as debris flew in the store.
Move over, Florida. New numbers show that Minnesota could finish first when it comes to disaster insurance claims. Last year, Minnesota generated nearly $800 million in claims, and that's only through the third quarter. If you're wondering why your premium is going through the roof, you can blame what's falling on your roof. Hail from storms on Aug. 6 damaged roofs, windows and siding all over the south metro.
On Monday, Governor Mark Dayton signed an emergency bill into law, sending disaster aid to Minnesota counties hit hard by a week of severe summer storms in June. Eighteen Minnesota counties - including the largest, Hennepin County - were hit by high winds, torrential rains and widespread flooding during the five days of storms. Damage was heavy in the southeastern part of the state, where lawmakers - including Republican Rep. Greg Davids of Preston - thanked Minnesotans for their help.
A joint House-Senate committee is beginning the work of developing a storm disaster aid package that Minnesota lawmakers will consider in an emergency session next month. A working group for the Legislature was convening Wednesday night.
The Minnesota Vikings still harbor heavy thoughts about Khyree Jackson.
Contraband isn't new to prisons, but investigators are warning that Minnesota's prison system is being inundated by mail laced with synthetic opioids. It's such a problem that some Minnesota prisons are changing their mailroom protocols.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
Erick Macias jumped into the water and saved a 19-year-old man, the sheriff's office said, but the other man went underwater and did not resurface.
Swimmers are being warned to stay away from a popular Twin Cities lake ahead of a hot and humid weekend.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
Erick Macias jumped into the water and saved a 19-year-old man, the sheriff's office said, but the other man went underwater and did not resurface.
Swimmers are being warned to stay away from a popular Twin Cities lake ahead of a hot and humid weekend.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
Walking into The Lab next to the 18th hole at TPC Twin Cities, you'll forget you're even on a golf course.
Contraband isn't new to prisons, but investigators are warning that Minnesota's prison system is being inundated by mail laced with synthetic opioids. It's such a problem that some Minnesota prisons are changing their mailroom protocols.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
Police in central Minnesota say a man died after part of a crane fell on him Tuesday morning at a construction site.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
As Iowa prepares to enact one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, elected officials in Minnesota are ensuring out of state abortion seekers they are welcome to visit and access services.
WCCO's next Goin' to the Lake begins Thursday as Chris Shaffer and Joseph Dames head to Shell Lake, Wisconsin.
A scientist warns that the effects of climate change could ultimately drive Minnesota's state bird out of the state entirely.
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened around 10:46 a.m. at 710th Street and 240th Avenue in Spring Brook.
A group of farmers is changing how they use their land by working with nature to improve their animal's health, along with the soil and water.
A faculty committee has recommended that a former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse be removed from his tenured position over his involvement in adult entertainment.
City and community leaders in Minneapolis on Monday detailed an ordinance that they hope will reduce the amount of hazardous vacant buildings.
Lisa Ishchenko is in the U.S. for the first time – away from her family, away from her life as a medical student, away from the war that still makes itself known daily in her home country of Ukraine.
The Minnesota Vikings are sponsoring girls flag football leagues across the state in an effort to give everyone a chance to play the game.
Spike Moss spent decades fighting for his community, much of that time along Plymouth Avenue.
Veterans who had been living on the street now have a new home in St. Paul as part of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans' effort to end homelessness.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
As Iowa prepares to enact one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, elected officials in Minnesota are ensuring out of state abortion seekers they are welcome to visit and access services.
Former President Donald Trump is using a 2022 Minnesota murder case to attack Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump claimed that Harris helped bail out a man who then went on to murder a man on a St. Paul train platform. While parts of Trump’s statement are true, other portions of it are misleading.
"I have agreed to the previously agreed upon Sept. 10 debate. He agreed to that previously. Now it appears he's backpedaling," Vice President Kamala Harris said.
Days after the massive IT meltdown that led to thousands of canceled flights across the United States, Delta Air Lines says normal operations should finally resume on Thursday.
Fewer Delta passengers are fighting to find a flight Wednesday. You can see the difference at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the carrier's CEO says the airline has largely recovered from the outsized impact it experienced from last week's CrowdStrike outage.
As Delta Air Lines works to get back on track after it canceled hundreds of flights over the weekend, customers are left wondering how they can get reimbursed if they are left stranded at the airport.
A North Carolina woman is still trying to get home after last week's CrowdStrike outage waylaid her at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The global Microsoft outage is causing mass flight cancellations and delays nationwide Friday, including at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Contraband isn't new to prisons, but investigators are warning that Minnesota's prison system is being inundated by mail laced with synthetic opioids. It's such a problem that some Minnesota prisons are changing their mailroom protocols.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
An online fundraiser for the Allen family said, "It is with heavy hearts Chuck, Tasha and Christian would like to let everyone know they're in the process with Life Source for Covil Lee donating his organs."
A man who was shot in south Minneapolis Thursday afternoon may not survive, police said.
Police discovered 70-year-old Michael Riccio's remains inside a shed at a home on the northside last week, according to the Dakota County Attorney's Office.
As Iowa prepares to enact one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, elected officials in Minnesota are ensuring out of state abortion seekers they are welcome to visit and access services.
Three children in the Twin Cities were confirmed to have measles this week, and two of them required hospitalization, health officials said.
Nineteen years ago, Dan Zimmerman's life changed forever. A stroke left his outlook grim. Now, he is the founder of Spokes Fighting Strokes, a nonprofit spreading awareness about the benefits of adaptive cycling.
Kids can find all sorts of things in the water, but it's what you can't see that can stick with swimmers once they get out.
Iowa's strict abortion law will take effect Monday, banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant.
Charli XCX, George Clooney and Spike Lee are among the celebrities who say they are supporting Kamala Harris' campaign to become the first woman president of the United States.
Organizers were looking for a new location that had the infrastructure to host the festival and support its growth.
Bob Newhart, who starred in the long-running sitcoms "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart," has died at age 94.
From major floods to a major festival — work is underway to transform St. Paul's Harriet Island into an oasis for festivalgoers.
Minnesota's largest Black-sponsored festival will ring in its 42nd year this weekend with performances from two of hip hop's most legendary artists.
The Minnesota Vikings still harbor heavy thoughts about Khyree Jackson.
Walking into The Lab next to the 18th hole at TPC Twin Cities, you'll forget you're even on a golf course.
The Minnesota Vikings' already sparse cornerback room got a little more barren Wednesday when Mekhi Blackmon went down with an injury.
Addison, after walking off the fields following the first full-team practice Wednesday afternoon, said he'd been advised by his attorney and agent not to address specific details about his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month in California.
Max Kepler's infield single drove in the winning run with one out in the ninth inning, giving the Minnesota Twins a series-clinching 5-4 win over Philadelphia Phillies.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
There has been so much attention on the developments with the presidential candidates that some local races have not gotten as much attention.
Summer is roller coaster season in Minnesota. And there's one up north that provides a different kind of experience. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how pure gravity fuels the Timber Twister.
Instead of watching old, classic cars leave the state, a museum in Wright County is trying to keep them around at the Veit Museum near Buffalo.
When Belgian immigrants settled in Ghent, they brought along rolle bolle — a sport that's sort of a cross between curling and lawn bowling — but you don't play with a ball, you play with a bolle.
The town of Remer is surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods and marshes. A perfect place for squirrels, deer, bears and maybe even Bigfoot.
Native Americans, Swedish immigrants and even cattle thieves have all taken shelter in a little spot along the St. Croix River.
Kids can find all sorts of things in the water, but it's what you can't see that can stick with swimmers once they get out.
It's the height of July and primetime in America for swimming, fishing and, in some cases, sunburns. This is the time of year when it's easy to get too much sun.
Energy drinks have been around since the 1940s, and in recent years, they've become all the buzz — especially with young people. But studies have shown they may not be as popular with our hearts.
The sounds of summer wouldn't be complete without the familiar tune of mosquitoes buzzing. But did you ever wonder: Why do mosquitoes buzz? Good Question.
The funny bone is anything but funny. So why does it hurt so bad when it gets hit? It turns out there's a "humerus" answer.
The Minnesota State Fair has announced its new offerings for 2024, and they include plenty of fried foods, plenty of dairy, and plenty of sweet corn. See the full roster of new items here.
Thousands lined the streets of Hennepin Avenue on Sunday for the Twin Cities Pride Parade.
Many Minnesotans will be cleaning up Thursday from a storm system that brought sizable hail, heavy winds and possible tornado touchdowns.
Minnesotans were delighted by an otherworldly light show Friday night that was on a level the state hadn't seen in nearly two decades.
Many Minnesotans were treated to a stunning double rainbow on Thursday.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says heat and humidity will be returning for the weekend.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
We're in for a steamy weekend, and storms may be on the horizon, too.
We’re heading into a long stretch of hot, July-like weather as temps reach into the 90s on Friday.
The heat is here to stick around. Temperatures in the 80s -- even the 90s -- will stick around for the next few weeks.
The Vikings are down a key cornerback already. Mehki Blackmon hurt his ACL in the first practice. He was starting to show signs in the secondary. Now, they have to pick up the slack with some depth.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says heat and humidity will be returning for the weekend.
Chris Shaffer and Joseph Dames were soaking up the sun Thursday in Shell Lake, and that included a fishing bet.
A WCCO Investigation discovered that deadly drugs are getting delivered to Minnesota inmates, in plain sight. It's become such a problem, that some prisons are actually changing what happens in mailrooms. Investigative Reporter Jonah Kaplan takes us inside Faribault prison to show us how hard it can be to detect this hidden danger.
Minnesota state leaders worry a dangerous disease is spreading in the metro.