Tornado touchdown reported in Coon Rapids

A slow-moving line of strong thunderstorms dropped funnel clouds over parts of the Twin Cities metro area Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service reports one confirmed tornado touchdown in the northwestern suburb of Coon Rapids. There were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage, but trees and power lines were downed.

Tornado sirens sounded in several communities including St. Paul, where heavy rain caused street flooding on University Avenue.

It was all part of the second wave of storms to pass over southern Minnesota Tuesday.

More than 13,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power as the first line rumbled through overnight. Authorities in Eagan said a lightning strike likely started a house fire shortly before 5 a.m. Damage was estimated at $100,000 but the family escaped without injury.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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