Storms Threaten MN, WI with Tornadoes

Eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin are under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. CDT Wednesday as thunderstorms move through the region. The Storm Prediction Center has identified potential threats including several tornadoes, scattered hail up to 1.5 inches, and isolated wind gusts reaching 70 mph. The likelihood of tornadoes, severe wind, and hail is rated as moderate, with a low chance of a strong tornado (EF2 or higher).

By 4 p.m. CDT, several storms within the watch area had already triggered severe thunderstorm warnings. These included warnings for storms producing quarter-sized hail and damaging winds, as well as threats of half-dollar-sized hail in central Pine County, Wisconsin. No tornado warnings had been issued as of 4 p.m. CDT. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, while a tornado warning signifies a tornado has been spotted or detected on radar, requiring immediate shelter.