MN wakes up to storm damage, power outages after first severe weather of season

(KMSP) - The power is out for thousands of people in the metro Friday morning following our first severe weather of the season.

With heavy rain, small hail and strong winds, several cities reported trees down and other extensive damage.

Along Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, a large tree was split off and is partially blocking the roads.

Strong thunderstorms swept across the state last night, with wind gusts reaching over 60 mph.

Many trees were toppled, especially in the western parts of the state and Carver County.

There was even a water rescue last night, where three men were retrieved from Minnehaha Park after they were nearly swept away by the water.

Minneapolis Park police say the fishermen were standing on a culvert where Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi river.The three men made it out OK.

Power was also knocked out for more than 15,000 people. Early this morning, about 5,000 people in the metro are still without power.