Alert archive / Wisconsin / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2017

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 99, NWS Duluth, MN

July 21, 20174 counties in Wisconsin

NWS Duluth, MN issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 21, 2017, 9:30 PM CDT for 4 counties in Wisconsin. It was in force for 30 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jul 21, 2017, 9:30 PM CDT (02:30 UTC)
Expired
Jul 21, 2017, 10:00 PM CDT
In force
30 min
Issued by
NWS Duluth, MN
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Bayfield County, WI, Douglas County, WI, Sawyer County, WI, Washburn County, WI

The radar

The Duluth radar (KDLH), 87 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 02:31 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 21, 7:34 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 2.5 hours before the alert went out and 223 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2017-07-22Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 337 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2017-07-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 14 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
337 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-126 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
981 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
35 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
14 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
40 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.5

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Duluth, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jul 21, 7:15 PM CDT, 2 hours 15 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 21, 7:15 PM CDT, 2 hours 15 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
715 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

.UPDATE...
Issued at 715 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

Severe thunderstorms were occurring this evening from just north
of Duluth west through the Grand Rapids area into the Pine River
area. Instability has been steadily increasing across the
Northland and the storms have shown little signs of weakening as
they move toward a less unstable airmass to the east. The
afternoon KINL sounding showed dry air in the lower to mid levels
which will enhance the wind threat. Per coordination with SPC,
we've added Aitkin, Carlton, and Saint Louis Counties to the
watch. The latest HRRR shows the storms continuing for the next
few hours but gradually decreasing in intensity as they move
further east.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Saturday)
Issued at 336 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

Storms have formed over northwest Minnesota this afternoon that we
have been watching very carefully. A severe thunderstorm watch has
been issued, and I will leave it to the reader to refer to the
specifics of that watch in the WCN. A plume of 2000J/KG plus most
unstable CAPE extends up the Red River valley, overlapping much
of western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota and South Dakota. In
addition, this area has decent shear, a weak shortwave aloft and
is underneath the right entrance region of the upper level jet. We
are looking at getting a round of severe storms for the next few
hours, mainly affecting the far western areas of the CWA along the
high cape gradient. After that have poor confidence in additional
storms, though several models bring a second round of convection
through the southwestern half of the forecast area after midnight
tonight.

Attention then turns to Saturday, when the tight upper low/vort
max currently over the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border drops
southeast cross the forecast area during the afternoon and early
evening. Expect that depending on the overnight convection we will
have an additional round of showers and thunderstorms move across
the area during the afternoon and early evening. Depending on the
amount of CAPE we can develop severe weather is a real threat,
but we will have to watch what happens overnight tonight to
determine the daytime threat for tomorrow.

.LONG TERM...(Saturday night through Friday)
Issued at 336 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

The extended forecast period features a couple of chances of showers
and thunderstorms over the Northland, with temperatures forecast to
remain around seasonal averages.

Saturday night begins with continuing chances of showers and storms
from Saturday afternoon as a compact mid-level shortwave dives
across our north and eastern areas of the CWA Saturday night. There
should be some good forcing associated with this shortwave as there
is a large lobe of positive vorticity advection, along with higher
850-300 mb omega, per the Thaler QG analysis. The Storm Prediction
Center currently has the entire Northland in a Slight Risk of severe
weather for the Day 2 convective outlook. The magnitude of
instability from 00z Sunday between the synoptic models differs
somewhat, with values ranging between 300 up to 2000 J/kg between
the GFS/NAM/ECMWF/CMC models. The expectation is that any strong to
severe convection on-going at 00z Sunday will dissipate as the sun
sets, decreasing instability rapidly. There could be some damaging
winds and large hail possible, if some strong convection continues
into this period. As the shortwave departs, there may be some
lingering showers Sunday morning as the region remains under the
cyclonic flow of the mid-level wave. Non-zero MUCAPE could provide
enough instability for a rumble of thunder, but no severe weather
expected at this time.

By Sunday afternoon, drier conditions will return to the Northland,
as sfc high pressure builds. Skies look to clear out overnight
Sunday into Monday morning, so there could be some patchy fog,
especially over areas that receive rainfall Sunday. Winds look to be
light as well, especially over the Minnesota Arrowhead and along
Lake Superior. Dry conditions will continue through the day Monday
before another area of low pressure develops over northern Manitoba
and northwest Ontario Canada, bringing a cold front boundary through
the Northland. The GFS/ECMWF/CMC models are showing some decent
agreement with the areal coverage and timing of precipitation, so
confidence is fairly high this precipitation will move through
Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Temperatures will be around seasonal averages, with highs in the 70s
across the Northland.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Saturday evening)
Issued at 715 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

Strong to severe storms were occurring across portions of the
Northland this evening and they will continue to move east. IFR or
LIFR conditions will occur in and near the storms along with
strong winds and hail. Outside of the storms, expect mainly VFR
conditions this evening but IFR or MVFR ceilings will expand later
tonight into Saturday morning before lifting to VFR. Additional
showers/storms will be possible through the night and again
Saturday as a frontal boundary and upper level trough impact the
area. Updates to the chance for storms will be needed as we
progress through the period.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DLH  59  73  57  70 /  50  40  40  20
INL  60  77  56  74 /  40  60  40  20
BRD  65  83  60  75 /  50  10  10  10
HYR  63  80  58  71 /  20  40  30  20
ASX  58  74  56  67 /  10  30  30  30

&&

.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Beach Hazards Statement until 8 PM CDT this evening for WIZ001.

MN...Beach Hazards Statement until 8 PM CDT this evening for MNZ037.

LS...None.
&&

UPDATE...Melde
SHORT TERM...LE
LONG TERM...JTS
AVIATION...Melde
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 21, 4:03 PM CDT, 5 hours 27 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Duluth MN
403 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-221315-
Koochiching-North St. Louis-Northern Cook/Northern Lake-
North Itasca-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake/North Shore-
Southern Cook/North Shore-North Cass-South Itasca-South Cass-
Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-Carlton/South St. Louis-
Pine-Douglas-Bayfield-Ashland-Iron-Burnett-Washburn-Sawyer-Price-
403 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast
Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight

There is a low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms across the
Northland this afternoon and evening, especially over the
Brainerd Lakes region. Large hail and damaging winds will be the
main threats, with a tornado possible. The highest risk of severe
weather is west of a Shepard to Chamberlain line, with a lower
risk west of a Pelland to Markham to Hertel line.

In addition to the potential for severe thunderstorms, there is a
high risk of rip currents along the beaches of Duluth and
Superior. See the latest Surfzone Forecast and Beach Hazards
Statement for detailed information regarding the high risk for rip
currents on Minnesota and Wisconsin point.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Severe thunderstorms are again possible on Saturday and Saturday
evening, with large hail and damaging winds possible.

There is a chance of thunderstorms Tuesday and Tuesday evening.
Some of those storms may be strong to severe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn Spotters will likely be needed this afternoon into tonight.

LSZ121-140>148-221315-
Bayfield to Oak Point WI-Grand Portage to Grand Marais MN-
Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor MN-
Taconite Harbor to Silver Bay Harbor MN-
Silver Bay Harbor to Two Harbors MN-Two Harbors to Duluth MN-
Duluth MN to Port Wing WI-Port Wing to Sand Island WI-
Sand Island to Bayfield WI-Oak Point to Saxon Harbor WI-
403 PM CDT Fri Jul 21 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Nearshore
waters of western Lake Superior.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight

There is a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon through
tonight. Some of the storms may be strong to severe with brief
gusty winds, large hail, and frequent cloud-to-water lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible once again Saturday
afternoon and evening. Another round of thunderstorms is forecast
Tuesday and Tuesday evening.

JTS

More information may be obtained at the following web address:
http://www.weather.gov/duluth (all lower case)

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 21, 8:48 PM CDT, 42 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 21, 8:59 PM CDT, 31 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 21, 9:03 PM CDT, 27 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 21, 9:05 PM CDT, 25 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 21, 9:07 PM CDT, 23 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 21, 9:22 PM CDT, 8 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Duluth, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 21, 7:09 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHAitkin, Carlton, Crow Wing51 min
Jul 21, 7:14 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHAitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Saint Louis46 min
Jul 21, 7:30 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCrow Wing45 min
Jul 21, 7:37 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDLHCarlton, Saint Louis6 hr
Jul 21, 7:49 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHAitkin, Carlton, Pine41 min
Jul 21, 7:52 PM CDTSpecial Marine WarningDLH53 min
Jul 21, 7:59 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHCarlton, Saint Louis46 min
Jul 21, 8:29 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHCarlton, Pine33 min
Jul 21, 8:45 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCarlton30 min
Jul 21, 8:46 PM CDTSpecial Marine WarningDLH59 min
Jul 22, 4:29 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCrow Wing46 min
Jul 22, 5:22 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCrow Wing38 min
Jul 22, 12:58 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH32 min
Jul 22, 1:35 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH25 min
Jul 22, 3:26 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHLake34 min
Jul 22, 3:40 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH35 min
Jul 22, 4:03 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH12 min
Jul 22, 4:17 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH13 min
Jul 22, 4:19 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCook26 min
Jul 22, 4:33 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH27 min
Jul 22, 4:40 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHSaint Louis35 min
Jul 22, 4:58 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHSaint Louis17 min
Jul 22, 5:25 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHLake20 min
Jul 22, 6:29 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHLake16 min
Jul 21, 7:55 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHBayfield, Douglas50 min
Jul 21, 8:48 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHBayfield12 min
Jul 21, 9:05 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHBurnett10 min
Jul 21, 9:46 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHWashburn14 min
Jul 21, 10:01 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSawyer14 min
Jul 21, 10:16 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSawyer14 min
Jul 21, 10:30 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSawyer15 min
Jul 21, 10:51 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSawyer9 min
Jul 22, 5:44 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice31 min
Jul 22, 6:00 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHPrice, Sawyer15 min
Jul 22, 6:01 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHPrice, Sawyer14 min
Jul 22, 6:16 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice14 min
Jul 22, 6:26 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice34 min
Jul 22, 6:57 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice18 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Wisconsin, 2017Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2017

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.