55 MPH Plus Winds Hit Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Southeastern Minnesota was visited by nearly severe thunderstorm strength winds Wednesday afternoon and it appears Rochester was hit by the strongest gusts in the region.

The National Weather Service says the weather station on the Mayo One helipad at St. Mary’s hospital recorded a gust of 56 miles per hour, while a 52 mile-per-hour gust was measured at the Rochester Airport. Preston reported a 53 mile-per-hour gust and reports of gusts in the 40-50 mile-per-hour range were common across southeastern Minnesota.

The low-pressure center responsible for the howling winds delivered heavy snow to parts of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Some areas in Minnesota were told to expect a foot of snow by Thursday morning.