Power Outage in Kasson, MN

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that around 5 inches of snow fell across Dodge County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the glaze of ice, some power poles and lines were brought down across the southern part of the county by the strong winds causing around 4,000 people to lose power. At least three county roads were closed because of downed power lines. A countywide state of emergency was declared with shelters opened for those without power.

Some trees and power lines were blown down north of Dodge Center.

An estimated 60 mph wind gust occurred in Kasson and the power was out in portions the city.

Northwest winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph produced a period of blizzard conditions across Dodge County. Whiteout conditions occurred during the blizzard and the blowing snow caused severe drifting to occur that closed several roads. Power outages occurred as the heavy, wet snow and the high winds combined to bring down power lines and tree branches. All the schools in the county were closed on both the 20th and 21st. The highest reported snowfall amount was 9.5 inches near Berne.

Lightning struck a tower located next to a house with the power surge traveling through some cables to enter the house. The house, located north of Dodge Center, did not immediately catch on fire, but by the time the fire was reported and fire fighters arrived, the attic was fully engulfed in flames. The house is considered a total loss.

As thunderstorms moved through the Dodge Center area (Dodge County) during the afternoon of May 5th, lightning struck a tower next to a house with the power surge entering the house through cables attached to the tower. The house eventually caught on fire and by the time the fire fighters arrived, the attic was fully engulfed. The house is considered a total loss.

During the afternoon of May 22nd, severe thunderstorms developed along a cold front as it moved through southeast Minnesota. These severe thunderstorms produced two confirmed tornadoes, both of which were rated as EF2. The first tornado moved into Fillmore County from northeast Iowa and the second tornado occurred over eastern Houston County before crossing the Mississippi River into western Wisconsin. The first tornado produced significant damage around Harmony (Fillmore County) where silos were damaged and roofs taken off structures. The second tornado produced damage around Hokah (Houston County) with barns and other farm buildings damaged along with several residences. Around 4,500 customers loss power across Fillmore and Houston Counties. Damages across southeast Minnesota were estimated to be between $400 and $500 thousand.

Spotters reported wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph, which downed trees and power lines.