Fireworks shows went on as normal Tuesday despite the threat of possible thunderstorms in the Twin Cities that didn't materialize.
Midmorning rain soaks Twin Cities metro
The threat of possible thunderstorms in the Twin Cities didn't materialize Tuesday night.
The western Twin Cities metro got a quick burst of rain in the middle of Tuesday morning, with Minneapolis and western suburbs getting between a quarter of an inch and an inch , said National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Carletta — enough to soak the ground for much of the metro that did not get rain Monday evening, but not enough to make a dent in this summer's drought.
Up north, weekend rain prompted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to ease fire restrictions in Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties — meaning, setting off fireworks is allowed again.
The restrictions have also been lifted for campfires in the counties, as well as in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.
Restrictions have also been lifted for land in the nations of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
On Tuesday night, the Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of western Wisconsin near Durand, but no significant damage or confirmation of a tornado was reported. The forecast is less eventful, with some possible lingering rainfall on Wednesday morning followed by dry skies the rest of the week.
The special election Nov. 5 will determine whether the GOP flips control of the state Senate or the DFL stays in charge.