Minnesota was hit by a third round of severe storms on Thursday, just days after the Minnesota State Fair experienced its share of heavy weather. The Twin Cities area was particularly affected, with threats of hail and damaging winds causing disruptions in the region.

The severe storm potential primarily targeted Minnesota, as a line of storms developed along a front during the afternoon. Though damaging wind and hail were the main threats, the possibility of a tornado or two forming along the storm line couldn't be ruled out.

The storm clouds rolled through the state on Thursday, impacting the upper Mississippi Valley. As a cold front sliced through the eastern half of the country, flights into the Minneapolis airport were delayed, and a college football game was also postponed.

In response to the threat, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for much of Minnesota until the early evening. The line of storms firing up along the front in the afternoon posed significant risks, particularly from damaging wind and hail. Additionally, the formation of a tornado or two along the storm line was a possibility.

This latest bout of severe weather follows two previous rounds earlier in the week. On Monday, a thunderstorm knocked out power to more than 100,000 utility customers across the state, causing attendees at the Minnesota State Fair to seek shelter. Early Tuesday morning, wind gusts as high as 64 mph hit the Twin Cities.

Despite the stormy weather, tens of thousands of visitors were still expected at the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday, known as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together." Unfortunately, these attendees could potentially experience further pummeling from the severe storms that wreaked havoc near St. Paul earlier in the week.

Wanda Vang, one of the thousands caught in the sudden thunderstorm, described how people had to scramble to find safety as torrential rains and damaging wind gusts swept through the area. Xcel Energy, the local energy company, reported that power had been restored to over 90% of the more than 250,000 customers who lost electricity during the first two rounds of storms. However, over 4,000 customers were still without power as of Thursday, and crews were working to address widespread damage, including downed trees and power lines.

Xcel Energy crews have made significant progress in restoring power following the recent storms in Minnesota this week. The company continues its efforts to bring electricity back to affected areas and alleviate the impact of the severe weather on the community.

As the Twin Cities brace themselves for further potential storms, residents and authorities remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of continued severe weather in the coming days.