St. Cloud, Minnesota – Residents across parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota should prepare for dangerous storms this afternoon, with tornadoes, damaging winds, and giant hail possible until 8 p.m. CDT Monday. Cities from St. Cloud to Sioux City could face rapidly developing tornadoes and scattered wind gusts reaching 80 mph.
According to the US National Weather Service Twin Cities, a tornado watch is in effect for a wide swath of the Upper Midwest, covering areas including Willmar, Marshall, Mankato, and Spirit Lake. The agency warns that a few tornadoes are likely, along with widespread hail up to apple size and potentially damaging winds.
In Minnesota, drivers along I-94 and I-90 should stay alert for sudden weather changes, especially near Sauk Centre, Hutchinson, and Fairmont. Power outages and road closures are possible if storms intensify quickly. Schools and businesses in the affected regions may also experience early closures or delays. Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects, charge devices, and have a safe shelter plan ready.
This is the first significant tornado watch of the season for much of southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa. Officials caution that more severe weather watches or warnings could follow later tonight depending on storm development.
