GALLERY: Communities start cleanup following severe storms, hail

Kyle Brown KSTP

Aftermath of severe storms

Aftermath of severe storms

UPDATE 7/20/23: Strong storms moved through Minnesota and Wisconsin Wednesday evening, leaving a trail of damage and many without power.

Cleanup efforts were underway Thursday in many communities across the state, including in White Bear Township, where trees were downed after wind gusts of 60 mph were recorded. Marble-sized hail also fell in the area, causing some damage.

In Itasca County, there was baseball- and golf ball-sized hail reported.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Xcel Energy reported around 2,500 customers still without power in the area. On Wednesday evening, the company said outages affected at least 46,000 customers from St. Cloud to western Wisconsin. CLICK HERE to find out when power is expected to be restored to your area.

Anyone who sees downed power poles or lines should stay away from them.

(Courtesy: Tyler)
(Courtesy: Tyler)
(Courtesy: Tim Carvelli)
(Courtesy: Tim Carvelli)
(Courtesy: Tim Carvelli)
(Courtesy: Kristie Flachmeyer)
(Courtesy: Kristie Flachmeyer)
(Courtesy: Kristie Flachmeyer)
(Courtesy: Annie Asmus)
(Courtesy: Annie Asmus)
(Courtesy: Annie Asmus)
(Courtesy: Annie Asmus)
(Courtesy: Chris Heman)
(Courtesy: Jessica Christensen)
(Courtesy: Jessica Christensen)
(Courtesy: Kelly Coutier)
(Courtesy: Adam Pugh)
(Courtesy: Adam Pugh)
(Courtesy: Adam Pugh)
(Courtesy: Adam Pugh)
(Courtesy: Adam Pugh)
(Courtesy: Adam Pugh)

If you have storm photos or videos to share, CLICK HERE to send them to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

A downed tree in White Bear Township on July 20, 2023. Credit: KSTP-TV

A previous version of this report can be found below.

[anvplayer video=”5185869″ station=”998122″]

INITIAL REPORT 7/19/23 – Strong storms are knocking down trees and power lines around the Twin Cities, leaving tens of thousands of residents without power Wednesday evening.

According to Xcel Energy, power outages at one point affected at least 46,000 customers from St. Cloud to western Wisconsin. You can see outages in your area using a map on Xcel’s website.

The utility company said it expects to fully restore power by Thursday and reminded people to stay away from downed power lines.

Storms took the heaviest toll in the north and east parts of the metro, and more severe thunderstorms were rolling through St. Croix and Dunn counties, with reports of winds exceeding 60 mph.