School canceled, damage cleanup underway after storms in Faribault, Cannon Falls

CANNON FALLS, Minn. (KMSP) - School is canceled Friday in Cannon Falls, Minnesota and Faribault and delayed in nearby districts after a round of storms caused damage and power outages in the southern part of the state and the Twin Cities metro Thursday night. 

In Cannon Falls, the storm downed trees and power lines, blocking many city streets and damaging a number of residences and businesses. Police are advising people to stay in their homes until crews can assess the damage and reopen roads. 

City officials advised Cannon Falls Area Schools the streets would not be cleared of storm damage in time for school Friday, prompting the cancelation. 

Xcel Energy is reporting more than 600 people are still without power in the city. 

There were reported tornado touchdowns north of Faribault and in the Dundas/Northfield area. National Weather Service teams will conduct surveys Friday to confirm any tornadoes. 

Faribault Public Schools also canceled classes on Friday in the wake of the storm. Police responded to multiple downed power lines, trees, small electrical fires and damaged structures Thursday night. 

The Faribault Municipal Airport also sustained significant damage to multiple hangars. Police are tentatively planning to allow property owners and renters access to the airport by foot at 8 a.m. Friday. They will be allowed to remove property by vehicle after 10 a.m. when the airport is slated to open. 

More than 2,500 people in Faribault and over 1,000 in Northfield are still without power, according to Xcel Energy. 

The Northfield School District delayed school by two hours Friday morning. A full list of school closings can be found here.