Minneapolis, Minnesota – Residents across Minnesota, Wisconsin and portions of the Upper Mississippi Valley should prepare for a dangerous round of severe thunderstorms beginning this afternoon, with storms capable of producing wind gusts over 75 mph, hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and a few tornadoes that could continue well into the overnight hours.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) covers much of central and eastern Minnesota, western and central Wisconsin, and adjacent portions of northeast Iowa. A broader Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) extends from the Great Lakes southwest into Nebraska, placing millions of residents under the threat of severe weather through tonight.
The greatest concern centers on communities including Minneapolis, Rochester, Eau Claire, Wausau, La Crosse and surrounding areas, where storms may rapidly intensify during the afternoon before organizing into clusters capable of widespread wind damage. Forecasters say hailstones between 2 and 2.5 inches are possible with the strongest storms, large enough to damage vehicles, roofs and crops. While the tornado threat is lower than the wind threat, any tornadoes that develop could produce localized damage.
Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly as storms move through. Strong crosswinds, torrential rainfall and falling tree limbs may affect major routes including Interstates 35, 90, 94 and 39. Residents should secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects before storms arrive and move vehicles into covered parking if available.
Because some storms are expected after sunset and into the overnight hours, it’s important to have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and trusted local media. Additional watches and warnings may be issued as thunderstorms develop this afternoon and evening.
