Minnesota thunderstorms seen from space as warnings issued

National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists in the Upper Midwest have issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for southwestern Minnesota as satellites captured images of thunderstorms rolling into the state from space.

Why It Matters

Dangerous storms have impacted the High Plains since last Thursday, and now the storms will move further east to bring similar threats to the Upper Midwest. The widespread severe storms could cause travel disruptions and power outages, meteorologists warned, with peak storms occurring from Monday afternoon into Monday night.

Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin are at the greatest risk for storm impacts.

What to Know

On Monday afternoon, the NWS Weather Prediction Center shared an image on X, formerly Twitter, that shows the view of the storms from space.

“This GOES 19 imagery shows a line of severe thunderstorms pushing from South Dakota into Minnesota and Iowa this afternoon,” the NWS Weather Prediction Center posted. “The Storm Prediction Center issued a Moderate Risk of Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Watches for portions of the Upper Midwest through this evening.”

Meanwhile, a tornado warning was issued south of St. Cloud, Minnesota, just before 4:15 p.m. Central time on Monday afternoon. The warning urged people to take shelter.

“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the warning said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

In some parts of the state, there have been reports of hail up to 2 inches in size.

Tornado watches have been issued for southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa, with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for far southwestern Minnesota. Although not unheard of in the spring months, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek that tornados in Minnesota and Iowa more typically occur during summer months.

He also warned that the tornado outbreak could impact areas outside of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

What People Are Saying

NWS Twin Cities in a post on X: “Severe Thunderstorms are ongoing in SW MN. These storms will continue to move northeast this afternoon. We are also monitoring for t-storm strengthening along the rest of the line as it moves into a more favorable environment.”

NWS office in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in a special weather statement: “Scattered showers and thunderstorms have developed across west central Minnesota. Conditions are favorable for funnel clouds with any thunderstorm that develops. These types of funnel clouds are usually short lived, however, they can and occasionally do touch the ground and cause minor damage. Therefore, if you see a funnel cloud, take cover immediately.”

What Happens Next

The storms will move out of the Upper Midwest region before Tuesday. People in the impacted areas should remain alert throughout Monday evening, as severe weather can be unpredictable.