While a Waseca observer reported 4.44 inches of rain, other areas received much less, said Mike Bardou, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

There was a heavy north-sound band of rain extending between New Ulm and Hanska, and another heavy band near Pemberton and western Waseca County, he said.

In thunderstorms like this, rainfall can vary widely over as tiny a distance as a few blocks, Bardou said.

“The rain was a timely rain,” Steve More said. “We needed it, within a week or so we were really going to be looking for that rain.”