Brainerd, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that the Pillsbury State Forest will be closed until further notice because of the damage caused by the severe storms that hit central Minnesota Sunday night.

The State Forest is located just west of Brainerd and was visited by tornado-force straight-line winds and heavy rains. DNR Forestry Division officials say uprooted and down trees have left all forest roads and trails impassable and all campgrounds inaccessible. Once an assessment of the damage is completed, the DNR will develop a plan for clearing the roads and any removing hazardous trees.

The line of severe storms that smashed into that region Sunday evening produced wind gusts in excess of 80 miles per hour. Officials with the utility companies servicing the area have said it could take them until Thursday to restore power to all affected customers.

 

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