Early Sunday morning, Carver County, Minnesota, was struck by a series of severe storms that produced five Doppler-confirmed tornadoes. The tornadoes touched down in several locations, including Victoria, two areas around Waconia, one near Cologne, and another in St. Bonifacius. These storms were part of a broader system that swept across southern Minnesota, prompting tornado warnings and causing widespread concern among residents.

The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts as the storms moved east at approximately 30 mph, warning of damaging tornadoes and urging people to seek shelter immediately. Radar confirmed the presence of tornadoes, and spotters reported that heavy rainfall was making it difficult to see the twisters, increasing the risk for those caught outdoors or in vehicles. The storms brought with them damaging winds, with gusts reported up to 60 mph, as well as intense lightning that lit up the night sky across the Twin Cities metro area.

Damage assessments began shortly after the storms passed. In Carver County, the tornadoes caused extensive damage to homes and trees, particularly north of Highway 7 near Watertown and Hollywood Township. Emergency crews conducted door-to-door searches to ensure the safety of residents, but fortunately, no injuries to people or animals were reported. Downed trees and power lines were widespread, leading to significant disruptions and hazards for local communities.

The impact of the storms extended beyond Carver County, with thousands of people across the Twin Cities region experiencing power outages. At the peak, approximately 240,000 customers were without electricity, and utility companies brought in crews from several states to assist with restoration efforts. The severe weather also led to the postponement of local events, highlighting the broader disruption caused by the tornado outbreak and associated storms.