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Friday storms leave path of damage behind them

Strongest storms roared through with hurricane-force winds and baseball-sized hail
Credit: KARE

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Amidst the afternoon heat and a low pressure system pushing through the state, several severe storms Friday afternoon left their mark on central Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Large hail was reported in several communities. KARE 11 viewers shared photos of hail that was at least 2 inches in diameter as the storm pushed through Morrison County.

More hail damage was reported in Pine County, with windshields knocked out of cars south of Pine City.

A number of trees were down in Kanabec County, with damage reported at some homes and businesses in Mora and Grasston.

Across the river in Wisconsin, 84 mph wind gusts were confirmed in Cushing, Wisconsin, within Polk County - where winds were sustained at 73 mph for 5 minutes straight. 

Heavy tree damage has been reported throughout Polk County, as well as Barron County. 

The Tornado Warnings issued earlier were not based on actual sightings but from radar indicated rotation, meaning there have been no confirmed reports of an actual tornado on the ground. This system does have the potential to spawn powerful tornadoes at any time, along with large hail and high winds. 

Friday's weather is delivering a formidable one-two punch, hitting residents of Minnesota and western Wisconsin with both excessive heat AND severe storms .

An excessive heat warning is posted for the Twin Cities and areas south through the day, where heat indices could climb into the 100-110 degree range. Dew points will be in theupper 70s and even 80 degrees! It ended up being our most humid day since 2011. At one point, the dew point was 80 degrees in the Twin Cities and the heat index was 115.

Credit: KARE
The heat index could reach between 100 and 110 degrees in parts of MN and western Wisconsin Friday.

There's relief in sight after today with showers Saturday and a big drop in humidity Sunday. Most of next week should be dry and much more comfortable. 

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