Rochester, Minn. – A multi-state tornado watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday across portions of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with rotating storms already developing near the Mississippi River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Tornado Watch 463 includes key population centers like Rochester, La Crosse, and Decorah. The affected area spans 21 counties in three states, where conditions are favorable for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds exceeding 60 mph.
In Minnesota, Olmsted, Mower, and Winona counties are under the watch, with storms advancing east from Dodge Center and Austin. In Wisconsin, the threat stretches from La Crosse to Richland Center, with Monroe and Vernon counties seeing rapid cloud build-up. Northeast Iowa, including Charles City, Cresco, and Waukon, is also under elevated risk as storms push northeastward.
Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately if warnings are issued. Secure outdoor items, charge phones, and avoid travel, especially along U.S. Highways 52, 61, and 63 where visibility may drop quickly.
This marks one of the most widespread tornado watches of the month. Additional alerts may be issued if storm cells continue to strengthen.
