Originally posted at 2:38 PM on 8/29/24

Updated at 3:35 PM on 8/29/24

(KNSI) – Weatherology meteorologist Ray Miller says the severe thunderstorms moving through central Minnesota are primarily wind events, although they are expanding their reach into more counties.

He noted, “These storms are right on the doorstep of the St. Cloud metro area. We’re going to see some gusty winds starting across much of the city and into eastern Stearns, western Benton and western Sherburne County, all of which remain under severe thunderstorm warnings through 3:45 a.m.

“Wright County and Meeker County are included in that, the good news we have here, and there’s not a lot, but there is some good news. Not a lot of hail with this, an indication of quarter-sized hail, particularly near Kimball. But overall, this is a wind threat.

“The problem is that these storms are showing signs of winds of at least 60 to 65 miles per hour, and possibly even gusts as high as 70, particularly in the southeastern portions of Stearns County. So some tree limb damage and power line damage seems likely. I think we’re going to have a few power outages as this moves through the area over the next hour or so.

“If you’re in and around St Cloud, really, anywhere along the river and the Highway 10 corridor, be prepared for these strong winds in the next few minutes. Get inside a sturdy building and stay away from windows. And again, severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for eastern Stearns County, all of Morrison County, western Benton County, western Sherburne County, eastern Meeker and northern Wright County.”

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