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Twin Cities see 0.5-1.6 inches of rain ahead of tropical-fueled Friday storm

Most of the Twin Cities metro recorded between 0.5 and just over 1 inch of rain Wednesday night as a follow-up storm moved into the region ahead of heavier rain expected Friday.[1]

Site-by-site totals included Rockford at 1.58 inches, Minneapolis at 1.20 and St. Paul at 1.16, and some western Minnesota spots topped 1.5 inches.[1] Meteorologist Cody Matz said the midweek rain has begun to re-moisten parched soils, which could help heavier Friday rain soak in and reduce flash-flooding risk.[1]

FOX 9's weather team warned the follow-up system expected Friday could bring widespread soaking and pockets of 2+ inches in parts of Minnesota.[2]

Residents should monitor local forecasts and be ready for additional rainfall Friday.

  1. FOX 9
  2. FOX 9
Weather Environment
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📌 Key Facts

  • FOX 9's Wednesday rainfall totals show site-by-site amounts for Wednesday night including Rockford at 1.58", Minneapolis at 1.20" and St. Paul at 1.16".
  • Most of the Twin Cities metro recorded between 0.5" and just over 1" of rain on Wednesday, while some western Minnesota locations topped 1.5".
  • FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports more rain is expected Friday as a follow-up system approaches.
  • Meteorologist Cody Matz said the midweek rain has begun to re-moisten parched soils, which could help Friday's heavier rain soak in more efficiently and reduce flash-flooding risk.
  • The rainfall summary was published by FOX 9 on Thursday, September 17, 2026 (Central).

📰 Source Timeline (2)

Follow how coverage of this story developed over time

September 17, 2026
2:08 PM
Wednesday rainfall totals: 1+ inches in Twin Cities metro, more rain expected Friday
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul by [email protected] (Allie Johnson)
New information:
  • Provides detailed site-by-site rainfall totals for Wednesday night, including Rockford at 1.58", Minneapolis at 1.20" and St. Paul at 1.16".
  • Clarifies that most of the Twin Cities metro saw between 0.5" and just over 1" of rain, with some western Minnesota locations topping 1.5".
  • Adds meteorologist Cody Matz’s explanation that the midweek rain has started to re-moisten parched soils, which could help Friday’s heavier rain soak in more efficiently and reduce flash-flooding risk.