Two severe storms swept through Minneapolis July 27 and 28, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and hail. The first storm, on Sunday evening, primarily impacted north and northeast Minneapolis, while a second storm on Monday evening caused damage throughout the city. While a heat advisory was ongoing on Monday afternoon, the City swiftly responded to the storm damage.
Impacts on the city
- Storm damage: Downed trees and power lines caused property damage and blocked streets, alleys and sidewalks.
- Power outages: At the peak, about 5,000 customers had lost power on Monday morning in Minneapolis. By Monday afternoon, the number dropped to about 980 locations, then around 160 by Tuesday afternoon.
- Traffic signals: Several traffic lights lost power or were damaged.
City responses
- The Emergency Management Department activated Level 3 monitoring to coordinate efforts across departments.
- Public Works crews quickly put traffic control signs in place and cleared blocked roadways.
- City Communications shared information on social media about the developing severe storms, how to report damage, and tips on how to stay safe. This included cooling station information during the heat advisory on Monday.
- The 311 Service Center received storm damage reports and Neighborhood & Community Relations shared storm-related information and safety guidance to neighborhood organizations.
- By Tuesday, July 29, the City returned to normal operations. Thank you to all City staff and partners who responded quickly to keep residents safe and restore services across Minneapolis.
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