The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games officially commenced at Huntington Bank Stadium despite severe Friday evening storm systems that knocked out power for tens of thousands of residents. While 3,000 national athletes arrived to compete across 16 sports, utility crews worked around the clock to clear debris and restore critical infrastructure.
Twin Cities Headlines: Twin Cities and Minnesota News This Week: 2026 Special Olympics Launch & Minnesota Storm Recovery
Special Olympics USA Games Persist Amid Massive Grid Outages
The opening ceremonies for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games launched successfully at Huntington Bank Stadium tonight, welcoming over 3,000 elite athletes to Minneapolis. The historic week-long event features national debuts for both pickleball and cornhole. However, severe Friday evening storm systems threatened to overshadow the festivities, knocking out power to traffic signals and outdoor venues.
Extreme Supercell Storms Inflict Widespread Grid Damage
A violent line of thunderstorms swept through the Twin Cities metro area, dropping two-inch diameter hail on North St. Paul and generating destructive straight-line winds. Municipal energy grids suffered catastrophic failures, leaving tens of thousands of homes in Maple Grove and Shoreview entirely without electricity. Utility providers deployed emergency teams to handle live wires, blown transformers, and blocked thoroughfares.
Grandma’s Marathon Brings Economic Relief to Duluth
While the metro area focused on storm recovery, Northern Minnesota experienced a massive influx of visitors for the 50th annual Grandma’s Marathon. The landmark race brought tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the Duluth shoreline, completely filling regional hospitality venues. This athletic milestone provided a vital multi-million dollar economic boost to the Arrowhead region’s tourism sector.
Timeline of Friday Storm Impact and Event Launches
- Friday 4:30 PM: Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Hennepin and Ramsey counties; 2-inch hail hits North St. Paul.
- Friday 7:00 PM: Power grid failures peak; over 45,000 residents lose electricity as utility poles snap.
- Saturday 6:00 AM: Emergency crews clear primary transit corridors near Huntington Bank Stadium and Duluth race tracks.
- Saturday 7:30 PM: Special Olympics USA Games officially open at Huntington Bank Stadium with backup grid support.
Safety Notice: To monitor current electrical grid repair timelines, check theXcel Energy Outage Map…