Severe storm causes flooding, cancels shows and closes rides at Minnesota State Fair

A severe thunderstorm that brought damaging straight-line winds and torrential rain to the Twin Cities had a major impact on the Minnesota State Fair.

With storm warning sirens sounding across the metro area, the thousands of fair-goers were advised to take shelter under covered areas and in designated severe weather shelters across the fairgrounds.

With the Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles and several other bands set to take to the Grandstand stage, the opening of doors to the arena was delayed as the storm blasted through, with the concert later canceled in an update posted at 8:30 p.m.

All free stage entertainment performances were also canceled for the night.

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Rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park closed for the night in the wake of the storms.

Those who bought tickets for the Grandstand show will be contacted by Etix with refund information.

"Those who paid cash should contact the State Fair Ticket Office ( 651-288-4427 ) after Sept. 3." the State Fair added.

After the worst of the storm had passed, there were reports of flooding as standing water pooled in areas of the fairgrounds.

As ever with the Minnesota State Fair though, there's more than enough to do indoors.