Duluth, Minnesota – Strong storms are racing into northern Minnesota overnight, threatening cities like Duluth, Cass Lake, Grand Rapids, and International Falls with damaging winds and ping pong ball-sized hail through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for Cass, Itasca, Koochiching, and other counties shaded red on the latest radar, with storms expected to cross from eastern North Dakota at 35 to 40 mph. The most intense storms could produce wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail, with impacts peaking between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Residents along Highway 2, Highway 71, and areas near Fargo, Bemidji, and Hibbing should prepare for hazardous driving conditions, possible power outages, and sudden downpours. The NWS urges everyone to avoid non-essential travel, secure outdoor items, and keep devices charged overnight. Emergency managers warn the strongest cells may weaken as they move east, but all affected counties should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
This is the season’s most significant severe weather threat so far for northeast Minnesota. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 6 a.m., with further advisories possible as the storms track across the state.
