Duluth, Minnesota – Northern Minnesota residents should secure outdoor objects and prepare for rapidly changing travel conditions Tuesday afternoon as thunderstorms capable of 70 mph wind gusts and ping-pong ball-size hail develop between 3 and 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, with a few becoming strong to severe. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a corridor including Duluth, Hibbing, Hinckley and Hayward under a Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk.
Duluth and communities along the Iron Range could see damaging winds and large hail, while a tornado or two is also possible across the broader region. The NWS timing graphic shows thunderstorms affecting communities at different times through the evening, with activity potentially continuing around Duluth toward 10 p.m.
Drivers using Interstate 35, U.S. 53 and other northern Minnesota routes should watch for sudden downpours, hail and debris. Residents should move vehicles into shelter when possible, secure loose outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Not every community will receive rain or severe weather Tuesday. However, storms that strengthen could quickly become hazardous. The main threat window continues through 11 p.m., and localized severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings could be issued.
