Severe Storms Knock Down Trees, Power Poles in Stearns County

UNDATED -- A line of severe storms barreled through central Minnesota late this afternoon, knocking down trees and power lines in parts of Stearns County.

Severe thunderstorms began firing up in western Minnesota before 3:00 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for for southwestern Stearns County shortly after 3:00 p.m.

There are reports of trees and power lines down in the Paynesville and St. Martin areas. Parts of Paynesville, St. Martin and Cold Spring lost power this (Tuesday) afternoon and trees are reported down in Rockville.

The storms packed winds of up to 70 miles-per-hour and brought heavy downpours.

The storms also prompted tornado warnings in Chippewa, Kandyohi, Wright and Meeker counties. There were no reports of any tornado touchdowns, however.