Heavy winds and a thunderstorm Sunday morning felled trees and littered roads and yards with branches in Hutchinson.
The National Weather Service reported winds that peaked at 44 mph, with gusts of up to 54 mph at around 7:50 a.m. In nearby Meeker County, gusts sped past 80 mph. The McLeod County Sheriff’s Office reported it was not informed of any injuries, but it did respond to several reports of storm damage. Hutchinson police received no reports of injuries due to the storm, but plenty of calls regarding property damage. Hutchinson Health saw no patients with injuries related to the storm.
According to a report from the Minnesota State Patrol, two were injured while driving northbound on County Road 1 in Greenleaf Township. A 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and camper were flipped into the ditch by winds. The Litchfield residents sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
There were reports of power outages in some parts of the county, and Meeker County, and downed trees blocking country roads as well. McLeod County was among more than 30 Minnesota counties in a severe thunderstorm watch until noon that day.
Xcel Energy reported more than 165,000 customers in the state lost electricity due to the storm. No residents in Hutchinson lost power. Some sections of Litchfield were without power for 20 hours.
Help available
Hutchinson residents may contact the city at 320-234-4219 to have brush from trees damaged by the storm removed. Residents are also asked to report any hazardous conditions due to fallen trees.
Brush should be brought to the edge of the street, behind the curb on the boulevard to be picked up by the city. Until June 21, the city will haul and chip brush from damaged limbs and branches.
