UPDATE–Damage Reports: Severe straight-line winds blow through the KELO Radio area; Stay away from the power lines

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Xcel Energy is asking that you do not go into areas with severe storm damage and downed power lines.

They say they are getting reports of people in the Augustana University area walking around like zombies, picking up branches and stepping over electrified lines.

Again, stay away from downed power lines.

(Story updated at 7:45 p.m., 5/12/22.)

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The City of Sioux Falls will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Friday to discuss Thursday’s storm and clean-up efforts.

The information:

What:           Update on storm damage and cleanup efforts

When:          10 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2022 

Who:            Mayor Paul TenHaken 

Why:            Mayor TenHaken will provide a report on Thursday’s storm, including updates on power outages, debris cleanup efforts across the community, and next steps for cleanup.

(Story updated at 7:05 p.m., 5/12/22.)

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — We’ve received reports of vehicle windows being blown out as the straight-line winds came through the area Thursday evening.

Our own Anthony Albano was stopped in Sioux Falls after leaving the KELO Radio studios. The winds blew the windows out on the passenger side of his car. He’s ok but he said he was pulling glass out of his hair. See the photo below.

(Story updated at 6:30 p. m. 5/12/22.)

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A strong windstorm blew through the KELO Radio listening are late Thursday afternoon.

Here’s what we’ve seen or heard:

• SIOUX FALLS: Around 10,000 Xcel customers are out of power.
• SIOUX FALLS: Video posted on Twitter shows I-229 blocked between Western and Louise due to a exit sign blocking the road. Report was at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
• SIOUX FALLS: Traffic accident at 48th Street and Cliff Avenue.
• SIOUX FALLS: All activities cancelled for the Sioux Falls School District tonight.
• VERMILLION: Power went out for about 15 minutes, throwing the Hy-Vee into darkness. However, the cash registers and Muzak continued to work, but not the meat scales, according to a customer. They also said there were branches down and debris–including mailboxes blown down–in town.
• HARRISBURG: From 5 p.m. Thursday before the straight-line winds hit, the temperature dropped from 94 degrees to 64 degrees.