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Rain, wind and lightning have knocked out power to thousands of customers in the Twin Cities metro area.

Xcel Energy says more than 8,000 customers were without service Tuesday morning.

And KARE 11's Jonathan Yuhas says the rough stuff might not be over.

More heavy downpours are likely Tuesday afternoon across the Metro area, which could lead to some spot flooding. Rain is forecast again on Wednesday with the potential for a few strong storms in the early afternoon hours from the Twin Cities Metro area east into Wisconsin.

All this moisture, on top of other recent heavy rains and thunderstorms are causing river levels to rise across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The Minnesota, St.Croix and Mississippi Rivers will approach flood stage this week and remain near flood stage into the weekend.

Flood stage means the river is at a point in which flooding will may start to occur. People should use extra caution as river currents will be stronger too. Rainfall amounts the past few days across Minnesota and western Wisconsin range from 1.5 to 4 inches, with some spots even picking up higher amounts.

The most flood-prone spots around the Twin Cities right now are Jordan, Delano, Savage and Stillwater. Smaller creeks and streams will also be high, and this will make for dangerous water currents on Minnehaha and Bassett Creeks.

Water levels will drop back down early next week although any additional heavy rains could push water levels on some rivers and creeks to climb even higher. Farther to the northwest heavy rainfall has pushed the Red River in Fargo to flood stage, and as water levels continue to increase the city of Fargo is expecting some flooding near the river.

The National Weather Service says more than 3 inches of rain is predicted this week in central Minnesota.