Crews are working to clear the main streets in Rochester, Minn., after a powerful storm swept through, knocked down some trees, scattered debris and ignited a house fire.
Officials say the house was struck by lightning early Wednesday, which started a fire in the attic. All occupants evacuated safely. High winds blew dozens of tree branches onto power lines, cutting service to thousands of residents.
The storm generated wind gusts from 60 to 75 mph in the region as well as large hail in Winona County.
The Post-Bulletin reports firefighters helped the Assisi Heights nursing home with backup oxygen for residents when the center’s power failed.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Bodily Injury Is Now A Big Share of Auto Claims Payouts. Is AI to Blame for That Too?
Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Structures in Washington State
Goldman Sachs Creates $1 Billion Reinsurance Pool With Talcott
Humans, Not AI, Still A Cause of Most Cyber Losses in First Half of Year