Severe Storms Strike Minnesota with Tornado Reports and Damage

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – A second round of severe thunderstorms moved through Minnesota on Monday, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and at least one tornado report. The storms developed in the afternoon and evening hours, following an initial round of thunderstorms that passed through the area earlier in the day.

As of 6 p.m., reports of severe weather were prevalent both north and south of the Twin Cities, although the metro area seemed to avoid the most intense conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) had previously indicated a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms, prompting various actions in cities across the state.

Many local meetings were canceled, and several school districts decided to end classes early. “We want everyone home safely before the storms begin,” said a spokesperson for Martin County West Schools. “With nearly 800 students relying on bus transportation, we want to ensure everyone arrives home safely.”

The NWS reported structural damage in the Kenyon area, including a destroyed barn and silos, along with a tipped semi-truck about six miles west of the city around 6 p.m. Emergency management officials also noted roof damage to a large warehouse as storms approached.

Large hail continued to be an issue, with quarter-size hail reported in Kasson and Mazeppa, and half-dollar-size hail noted at Alden and Frost. Golf ball-sized hail was reported northeast of Hope near Interstate 35 and Owatonna. Winds were strong, with reports of trees downed in locations like Minnesota Lake due to gusts exceeding 60 mph.

The NWS issued multiple tornado warnings as radar indicated rotation in storms around areas including Kenyon and Owatonna. Warnings remained active for various counties in the region, with potential threats of large hail accompanying some of these storms.

As storms progressed, utility crews began responding to scattered power outages, particularly in northern Minnesota where approximately 2,800 customers were without power. Xcel Energy reported outages affecting more than 3,600 homes in the Twin Cities area. The city’s public services were also put on alert, with the potential for fallen trees and downed power lines.

In anticipation of severe weather, the city of Minneapolis closed public-facing, nonemergency facilities at 2 p.m., and the Emergency Operations Center was activated to ensure safety measures were in place for residents. City officials encouraged individuals to remain alert and to take necessary precautions throughout the severe weather watch.

The NWS continued to monitor the situation as severe storms moved across southern and central Minnesota, with updates regarding tornadic activity and damaging winds expected to be communicated to the public.