St. Paul, Minn. – Funnel clouds have been spotted across parts of Minnesota Friday afternoon, and conditions remain favorable for additional development into the evening. The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities warns that weak storms and showers lingering across the state could still spin up more funnels through tonight.
According to the NWS, the atmosphere is primed for rotating clouds, with several reports already confirmed in central and southern Minnesota. While most funnel clouds remain short-lived and weak, forecasters caution that some can briefly touch down as tornadoes.
Communities across the Twin Cities metro, Mankato, and Rochester should remain alert this evening as passing storms may trigger rapid funnel development. Drivers are urged to use caution on interstates including I-35 and I-94, as heavy downpours and sudden cloud formations can reduce visibility.
If a funnel cloud is spotted nearby, residents are advised to take shelter in a sturdy structure and stay away from windows until the storm passes. Officials also encourage the public to report sightings to emergency management or local weather offices.
Conditions should gradually improve overnight, but weather service officials say another round of advisories could be issued if storms redevelop.
