Updated: May 22, 2011  6:15 pm ET


Several rotating supercells spawning a few tornadoes touched down across the Minneapolis area on Sunday afternoon.

The tornado or tornadoes tore roofs off buildings, downed power lines and toppled trees blocking streets. Early reports estimated the tornado touched down for around 30 minutes across the metro area.

Northwest and North Minneapolis was especially hit hard.

Tree and house damage in North Minneapolis

Helicopter overhead view of a neighborhood in North Minneapolis.
(Image credit: KARE11.com)

Television cameras revealed tremendous tree damage across North Minneapolis which then led to significant house damage.

Pictures lit up social media (including Twitter and Facebook) showing roof and overall structural damage to dozens and dozens of houses due to the tornado and/or falling trees.

North Memorial Medical Center reported treating 18 people in connection with the tornadoes, mostly with minor injuries.

Several train cars overturned in the Northeast Minneapolis Train Yard.

House, building damage in North Minneapolis

Helicopter overhead view of a neighborhood in North Minneapolis.
(Image credit: KARE11.com)

The storms began to pop around 2pm CT Sunday and the onslaught of violent weather continued for the next 2 hours.

The mayor of Minneapolis tweeted on his official account that he wanted "gawkers" to stay away from the North Minneapolis area.

He went on to say that first responders can't keep people safe when others are in way.  

Tree crushes vehicle in Minneapolis

Tree crushes vehicle in Minneapolis after tornadoes strike the city.
(Image credit: Instagram user Amanda Hankerson)

Xcel Energy of Minnesota reported that 20,000 customers were without power during the height of the storms. Crews immediately responded to outages.

The most significant tornado damage was located in St. Louis Park and surrounding areas, Brooklyn Center, Fridley and Coon Rapids.