Minnesota State Fair opens following delay, damage assessments ongoing

The Minnesota State Fair says it will open at 9 a.m. as officials continue to assess the damage from severe storms on Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

In an update posted at 8:40 a.m., the State Fair said, "The State Fair will open at 9 a.m. On-site parking lots are now open."

"Opening may be delayed for some vendors and attractions. Park & Ride lots remain closed until further notice," the message said. Future updates will be posted to the State Fair website. The State Fair usually opens to the public at 7 a.m.

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Wind gusts in excess of 70 mph were reported in the Twin Cities as two rounds of severe weather made their way through the metro. More than 150,000 households are without power as of Tuesday morning.

Related: Damage reports, 150,000 homes without power as storms hammer Twin Cities

The evening storm forced the cancellation of all live music at the fair, including the Grandstand performance of the Happy Together Tour scheduled for Monday night.

All rides at the Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park were also shut down, while videos from the fairgrounds showed flooding in areas.