Duluth, Minnesota – Storms could rapidly intensify by midday Friday, bringing damaging wind gusts and large hail across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, the primary window for severe storms runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the highest storm coverage between 80% and 95% in areas including Duluth, Superior, Ashland, and Hayward. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, while hail may grow as large as 1.75 inches in diameter.
Communities along U.S. Highway 53, I-35 near Duluth, and routes across northwest Wisconsin could see sudden downpours and rapidly changing road conditions during the afternoon. Cities such as Brainerd, Hinckley, and Virginia may also see scattered severe storms develop earlier in the day before expanding east.
An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, though the primary threats remain wind and hail. Localized heavy rainfall could also lead to brief water buildup on roads.
Residents should secure outdoor items and stay alert for warnings through the afternoon. Storm chances will decrease after 6 p.m., but additional updates are possible if stronger cells develop.
