"This is frightening."Barb Gusse, a Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board employee working to clear trees from the streets.

"There's a big rainbow over NMpls right now, literally. #signofhope #strongmpls"Mayor R.T. Rybak on Twitter at 5:32 p.m.

"It's serious out there." Ebony Flowers, holding her baby. "I've been through tornadoes my whole life in Minneapolis, but nothing like this."Rebecca McConico of Minneapolis, who was evacuated from her home on Queen Avenue N.

"I could easily have been up there napping."

Gretta Stritesky of Fridley, who had a tree fall through her roof.