WILLMAR - A late afternoon storm brought torrential rain and high winds to Kandiyohi County on Wednesday.
The isolated storm popped up just in time for the evening commute and pre-holiday errands. A WCCO meteorologist reported on Twitter that one gust near Willmar clocked in at approximately 58 mph.
There were scattered reports of downed trees, localized street flooding and wind damage. The Willmar Fire Department was called shortly before 6 p.m. to Ridgewater College in response to a water flow alarm.
Initial reports indicated that Willmar, Lake Lillian, Blomkest, Svea and Thorpe were hardest hit. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Kandiyohi County that remains in effect until 6:45 p.m.
