Storm volunteer center reopens
WADENA -- The center for volunteers helping with storm cleanup in Wadena will reopen, and officials say volunteers are still needed.
The center in the old Pamida parking lot on Highway 71 is reopening at 8 a.m. today. The Department of Natural Resources crew leaders tell The Daily Journal of Fergus Falls they could use some heavy equipment, such as dump trailers.
Volunteers with heavy equipment are welcome.
The center was closed Sunday to give workers and victims a break.
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The June 17 tornado destroyed 268 structures when it swept through Wadena. Twenty-five families lost their homes. Since then, more than 2,000 volunteers have been cleaning up.
Twin Cities power mostly back
MINNEAPOLIS -- The power is back on for most of the Xcel Energy customers in the Twin Cities metro area who lost power after Saturday's severe storms.
Xcel Energy spokesman Tom Hoen ays power was restored by midday Sunday to the majority of those affected. Crews are still working, and Hoen says "everybody should be back up by supper time."
Over 6,000 customers lost power after Saturday's storms brought lightning strikes, heavy rain and straight-line winds. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph were reported at the Marshall airport.
One family in Chaska was forced to evacuate its home after it was struck by lightning and caught fire.
WCCO-TV reporter Jason DeRusha's home in Maple Grove also was struck by lightning Saturday. DeRusha says he and his wife were watching television when they saw sparks come off of their deck and heard a big crash.
Blue Earth County damage totaled
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MANKATO -- Officials in Blue Earth County say at least 600 structures were damaged by recent storms.
County officials completed their preliminary damage assessment Sunday. They say the structure damage ranges from minor to major. More detailed damage assessments are expected this week. The Mankato Free Press reports at least one home near Lake Crystal had its roof sheared off.
The National Weather Service is also expected to visit the county this week to determine exactly what type of storm moved through the area Friday night. The storm brought flooding in some areas. It also downed trees and power lines.
Utility companies say about 1,200 customers are still without power in Blue Earth County Sunday afternoon. Most will have power restored by Sunday night, but a few could be without power until today or Tuesday.
