Severe Thunderstorm Hits Central Minnesota Friday Night

UNDATED (WJON News) -- Another round of severe weather moved through parts of Central Minnesota on Friday night. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for South Central Benton, Northwestern Sherbure, Southeastern Stearns, and North Central Wright Counties at about 9:15 p.m., and the warning lasted until 9:45 p.m.

People leaving the ledge during concert postponement due to severe weather, PHOTO by Paul Habstritt, WJON

The storm was located near Clearwater, moving at about 50mph, and had strong winds, lightning, and golf ball-sized hail. The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park had to put the Warren Zeiders concert on hold for about an hour due to the weather and empty the venue.

Large hail that fell in Eden Valley, PHOTO by Charlene Stromwall

The system moved through Eden Valley at about 9:05 p.m. and produced large hail and strong winds. Other area cities included in the warning were St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Becker, Foley, Rockville, Clearwater, Clear Lake, Luxemburg, and St. Augusta.

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