Weather
Minnesota-Wisconsin Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Until 9 PM Wednesday Oct 28
Minneapolis, MN – A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin until 9 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Oct. 28, as strengthening thunderstorms move northeast across the region. The wa
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-28T21:05:37.179Z
Minneapolis, MN – A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin until 9 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Oct. 28, as strengthening thunderstorms move northeast across the region. The watch includes the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area and communities near St. Cloud, Mankato and Eau Claire.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities office, the watch was announced in a 3:45 p.m. Wednesday update. Forecasters said there were no active tornado warnings at the time of that update, but thunderstorms continued to strengthen as they moved northeast.
Tornadoes, Large Hail and Damaging Winds Possible The National Weather Service watch graphic identifies three primary severe weather threats:
Tornadoes: A couple of tornadoes are possible. Hail: Scattered hail up to ping pong ball size is possible. Damaging winds: Isolated gusts up to 70 mph are possible. The watch area stretches across portions of central and southern Minnesota into western Wisconsin.
Communities shown within or near the highlighted watch area include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Cambridge, Forest Lake, Northfield, Mankato, Eau Claire and Rice Lake.
The watch graphic also identifies potential exposure involving approximately 4.36 million residents, 1,690 schools and 72 hospitals across the affected area.
Storms Moving Northeast Wednesday Afternoon Radar imagery shared by the National Weather Service showed thunderstorms extending through parts of central and southern Minnesota, including areas near Willmar, St. Cloud and Mankato.
Some of the strongest radar returns appeared along the developing storm line northwest of the Twin Cities.
Forecasters indicated that storms were continuing to strengthen as they tracked northeast, raising concerns about severe weather during the late afternoon and evening hours.
What Residents Should Do Now A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean a tornado has been confirmed.
Residents should keep phones charged, enable emergency weather alerts and identify a safe shelter location before storms arrive.
If a tornado warning is issued, move immediately to a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Drivers should avoid attempting to outrun a tornado and seek sturdy shelter when possible.
Large hail and damaging wind gusts can also create dangerous driving conditions, damage vehicles and bring down tree limbs or power lines.
Watch Remains in Effect Until 9 PM The tornado watch is scheduled to remain active until 9 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Oct. 28 , unless updated, canceled or replaced by the National Weather Service.
Residents throughout the Minneapolis St. Paul area, central Minnesota and western Wisconsin should continue monitoring official forecasts and warnings as storms move through the region.
For the latest alerts and storm updates, visit weather.gov/mpx .
This report reflects the National Weather Service's 3:45 p.m. CDT update Wednesday. Weather conditions and warnings may change rapidly.