Duluth, Minnesota – Residents across northern Minnesota should stay weather aware today as conditions become favorable for scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing destructive wind gusts and large hail through the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, thunderstorms may begin developing during the afternoon before continuing into early Monday morning. Forecasters note that a layer of warm air could limit storm development, but any storms that break through that cap could quickly become severe. The greatest hazards include wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter, large enough to damage vehicles, roofs and trees.
The severe weather threat stretches across much of the Northland, including Duluth, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls, Ely, Virginia, Walker, Hinckley, Ashland, Superior, Silver Bay and Grand Marais. Storm chances gradually increase through the late afternoon and evening, with the highest potential occurring overnight before activity tapers off Monday morning.
Drivers traveling on Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 53, Highway 2 and other regional routes should be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility, heavy rainfall and hazardous crosswinds if storms develop. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, park vehicles in garages if possible and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings before going to bed.
While not every community will experience severe weather, any storm that forms could intensify rapidly. The National Weather Service will continue monitoring conditions, and additional watches or warnings may be issued if storms begin to organize.
