Minneapolis, Minnesota – Over 5 million residents across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin are under a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m. Thursday as severe storms sweep through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, storms began forming Thursday afternoon and are expected to intensify as they move northeast. The main threats include hail up to 2 inches in diameter, a few tornadoes, and scattered wind gusts reaching 70 mph.
Cities including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Willmar, Eau Claire, Rice Lake, and La Crosse are all in the watch zone. Residents are urged to have multiple alert methods ready and to seek shelter quickly if warnings are issued. Although widespread damaging winds are not expected, isolated strong storms could still bring significant impacts.
Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel this evening, especially along I-35 and Highway 10, where visibility may quickly deteriorate. Schools and hospitals in the region have been placed on alert, with over 2,000 educational facilities potentially affected.
Storm threats are expected to diminish after 8 p.m., but additional watches or warnings may be issued depending on how the system develops through the night.
