UPDATED: Thousands Without Power in the Southeast Metro

UPDATED 9:30 a.m. 6/21/13: This morning, Xcel Energy released the following statement on last night's outages and storm:

A severe band of thunderstorms moved through Minnesota early Friday morning, June 21. The storm caused significant damage to our electric system, including a number of downed poles and power lines. Outages are scattered throughout the state, with approximately 130,000 customers without power at this time. We are currently assessing the damages and no restoration time is yet available. Additional crews from the North and South Dakota and other utilities have been coordinated to assist with restoration efforts. Please stay away from downed power lines and always assume a downed wire is energized and therefore dangerous. Report downed power lines to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999 or call 9-1-1.
According to Xcel Energy's outage map, at least 61 of the company's Inver Grove Heights customers are still without power, and without a firm estimate as to when their power will be restored.

Original Story: Just after 4 a.m. on Friday, a thunderstorm plunged thousands of homes in Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul into darkness.

According to Xcel Energy's outage map, at least 2,635 homes are effected across the region. Power is expected to be restored to some homes as early as 8 a.m., but others may have to wait much longer as Xcel crews assess the damage.

At least 15 Xcel customers in Inver Grove Heights were impacted.