Alert archive / Minnesota / Tornado Warnings in 2024

Tornado Warning 24, NWS Duluth, MN

September 19, 2024Pine County, Minnesota; Douglas County, Wisconsin

NWS Duluth, MN issued this tornado warning at Sep 19, 2024, 6:42 PM CDT for Pine County, Minnesota; Douglas County, Wisconsin. It was in force for 33 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
Sep 19, 2024, 6:42 PM CDT (23:42 UTC)
Expired
Sep 19, 2024, 7:15 PM CDT
In force
33 min
Issued by
NWS Duluth, MN
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.25 in

Counties Pine County, MN, Douglas County, WI

The radar

The Duluth radar (KDLH), 61 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:43 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
Sep 19, 5:10 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC4 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 11.7 hours before the alert went out and 189 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 12:00Z on 2024-09-19Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 235 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 12:00Z on 2024-09-19The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 273 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
235 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-220 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1275 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
33 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
273 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
257 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado 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 tornado warning went out at Sep 19, 6:41 PM CDT, 1 minute earlier. Its key messages:

  • Strong to severe thunderstorms are ongoing across parts of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, with storms gradually weakening and tracking east through the evening.
  • Another chance for showers and thunderstorms on Saturday. Depending on timing and placement, a few strong storms could occur.
  • Seasonable temperatures return Sunday and into next week.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 19, 6:41 PM CDT, 1 minute before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
641 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Strong to severe thunderstorms are ongoing across parts of
  northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, with storms
  gradually weakening and tracking east through the evening.

- Another chance for showers and thunderstorms on Saturday. Depending
  on timing and placement, a few strong storms could occur.

- Seasonable temperatures return Sunday and into next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 145 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

As expected, a stacked upper level low continues to steadily march
along the International Border this afternoon, pushing a north-south
cold front into and across Minnesota. As instability builds and our
cap erodes, quick upscale growth is expected as storms ignite along
the cold front, taking advantage of 2000-3000 J/kg SBCAPE and 25-
40knots bulk shear. Storms are expected to ignite first in southern
Minnesota and unzip to the north through the Twin Ports. A secondary
area of storms closer the upper level low should also pop off across
the Iron Range and into the MN Arrowhead. CAMs are still in decent
agreement for ignition in the Northland in the 4-6pm timeframe, then
pushing east through 10-11 PM across the Arrowhead and NW WI.

Across the board, large hail, damaging winds, and a couple tornadoes
are possible hazards. An initially discrete mode is expected to
become kind of messy as it evolves into clusters. Bulk shear is
expected to wane into the evening hours, reducing the chance for a
true QLCS type system to be realized. The one exception might be in
the MN Arrowhead where locally high shear close to the low could
help more of a linear system come to fruition. Slightly more backed
winds in the northern portion of the CWA could lead to enhanced SRH
and better low level curvature in hodographs, which will need to be
monitored for an isolated tornado threat. Otherwise marginal SRH and
already fairly southerly winds further south may lead to a reduced
tornado threat. Large hail up to ping pong size in diameter remains
possible, especially in the first couple hours of convection
initiation. Damaging winds up to 60 mph are possible, especially
with any more linear clusters or decaying storms. In addition to the
severe threat, some quick downpours and locally heavy rain is
possible, thanks to our very moist environment. PWATs at
International Falls were 1.46 inches this morning, which is a new
daily max for the 12z sounding. Some high rainfall rates are likely
with storms, and were already observed in some of our morning
convection. However, with antecedent dry conditions, 1 hour flash
flood guidance is 2-3 inches across much of the area expected to see
heavy rain this afternoon and evening, so we would need very
impressive rates in order to get any minor flooding.

Beyond today, the Northland finds itself stuck between a high
pressure over the southern Plains and an upper level trough bearing
down from Canada. Global models have come into better agreement on
an oblong trough brushing over northern Minnesota Saturday, bringing
our next chance of precipitation, most likely in the afternoon and
evening. Some instability is present and if the cap can be eroded a
cold front would have access to over 1000 J/kg of MUCAPE (mostly in
NW WI) which could produce some stronger afternoon thunderstorms.
Much to the approbation of summer lovers, above normal temperatures
are expected to continue through Saturday with highs rising into the
70s and low 80s. We are still on track to see more normal
temperatures return Sunday behind Saturday's front with highs in the
60s and overnight lows in the 40s and 50s. These relatively cooler
temperatures should continue into next week.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 641 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

Thunderstorms will impact several TAF sites this evening, with
patchy fog developing overnight as storms diminish. A period of
gusty west winds and scattered clouds Friday afternoon.

In the next few hours, strong to severe thunderstorms will
impact DLH and HYR causing reductions to IFR or worse conditions
as heavy rain, strong winds, and possible hail impact at DLH
00z to 02z or so and HYR around 01z to 04z. Elsewhere VFR
conditions will prevail this evening, with patch fog developing
at HIB and HYR causing reductions to MVFR visibility. Fog will
quickly lift on Friday morning, but low level moisture will
cause initially MVFR stratocumulus clouds to develop at INL and
possibly HIB on Friday morning into the afternoon, lifting to
VFR ceilings before eventually clearing out. Otherwise
conditions at other sites remaining VFR through the day Friday.

South to southwest winds around 5 knots overnight becoming
westerly around 10 knots gusting to 15-20 knots on Friday.

&&

.MARINE /FOR NEAR SHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/...
Issued at 145 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

A cold front brings a chance for thunderstorms late this afternoon
into the evening hours. Strong winds and large hail are possible
along with frequent lightning. Thunderstorms should be past Western
Lake Superior by late evening and winds begin to turn southerly.
Friday, expected southwesterly winds with some breezy afternoon
gusts behind today's cold front. Some gusts of 15-20 knots are
possible, but Small Craft Advisory criteria are not expected to be
met. South to southwest winds continue Saturday, mostly less than 10-
15 knots, and there is a chance for some showers and thunderstorms
in the afternoon and evening. Winds become northwesterly Sunday,
fairly light around to less than 10 knots.

For the open water discussion, refer to the NWS Marquette Area
Forecast Discussion at weather.gov/mqt.

&&

.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...None.
WI...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...Levens
AVIATION...JJM
MARINE...Levens
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 19, 2:53 PM CDT, 3 hours 49 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Duluth MN
253 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-202000-
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-
253 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight

Thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon over central
and north-central Minnesota ahead of a cold front. The line of
storms will slowly progress eastward with time into east-central
Minnesota, the Arrowhead, and northwest Wisconsin through this
evening. Some of the storms may become severe. Primary hazards
are hail up to ping pong ball size, damaging winds, and perhaps a
few weak tornadoes. Localized heavy rain may occur which could
lead to minor flash flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

There will be periodic chances for more thunderstorms Saturday
into early next week but the threat for severe weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotters may be needed this afternoon and evening.

LSZ121-140>148-150-202000-
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-
Outer Apostle Islands Beyond 5 NM from Mainland-
253 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight

Isolated scattered to thunderstorms are forecast this afternoon
and evening. A few storms may be severe with large hail, wind
gusts of 35 to 50 knots, and frequent lightning are the main
threats.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

There will be periodic chances for more thunderstorms Saturday
into early next week but the threat for severe weather is low.

Huyck

More information may be obtained at the following web address:
http://www.weather.gov/duluth

In the hours before

Local storm report, Sep 19, 5:09 PM CDT, 1 hour 33 minutes before
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Local storm report, Sep 19, 5:30 PM CDT, 1 hour 12 minutes before
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Local storm report, Sep 19, 5:33 PM CDT, 1 hour 9 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
533 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0515 PM     Tornado          2 SSE Cotton            47.14N 92.45W
09/19/2024                   St. Louis          MN   Public

            Photo via social media of a tornado on the
            ground northwest of Lake Elora. location and
            time estimated.

&&

KLL
Local storm report, Sep 19, 5:45 PM CDT, 57 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
545 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0544 PM     Hail             5 NE Mahtowa            46.62N 92.56W
09/19/2024  M1.00 Inch       Carlton            MN   Trained Spotter

&&

SG
Special weather statement, Sep 19, 5:52 PM CDT, 50 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
552 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

MNZ011-012-192315-
Northern Cook/Northern Lake MN-North St. Louis MN-
552 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN ST. LOUIS AND
NORTHWESTERN LAKE COUNTIES THROUGH 615 PM CDT...

At 552 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
western Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or 15 miles north of
Ely, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Basswood Lake, Burntside Lake, northwestern Boundary Waters Canoe
Area Wilderness, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Near Trout
Lake, Cummings Lake, High Lake, Lake Agnes, Crooked Lake, Fourtown
Lake, Big Moose Lake, and Lac la Croix.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for northeastern
Minnesota.

&&

LAT...LON 4825 9198 4825 9195 4823 9195 4824 9190
      4821 9186 4820 9172 4811 9170 4812 9169
      4810 9164 4810 9156 4795 9192 4797 9208
      4806 9221 4829 9202
TIME...MOT...LOC 2252Z 211DEG 44KT 4812 9196

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

JDS
Local storm report, Sep 19, 6:29 PM CDT, 13 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
629 PM CDT Thu Sep 19 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0505 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 N Canyon              47.09N 92.47W
09/19/2024                   St. Louis          MN   Public

            Multiple trees down along the highway via
            photo from social media.

&&

LCR

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Sep 19, 1:18 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHKoochiching27 min
Sep 19, 4:52 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCrow Wing23 min
Sep 19, 5:12 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHItasca33 min
Sep 19, 5:32 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHItasca28 min
Sep 19, 8:37 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSaint Louis23 min
Sep 19, 9:42 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH33 min
Sep 19, 3:58 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSaint Louis17 min
Sep 19, 4:09 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH21 min
Sep 19, 4:15 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHLake, Saint Louis45 min
Sep 19, 4:44 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHSaint Louis46 min
Sep 19, 4:48 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPine12 min
Sep 19, 4:55 PM CDTTornado WarningDLHSaint Louis35 min
Sep 19, 4:59 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHCarlton, Pine, Saint Louis46 min
Sep 19, 5:20 PM CDTTornado Warning Tornado observedDLHSaint Louis25 min
Sep 19, 5:23 PM CDTTornado WarningDLHCarlton37 min
Sep 19, 5:42 PM CDTSpecial Marine WarningDLH63 min
Sep 19, 5:43 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHCarlton, Pine, Saint Louis47 min
Sep 19, 5:44 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHLake, Saint Louis46 min
Sep 19, 5:52 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH23 min
Sep 19, 5:56 PM CDTTornado WarningDLHCarlton, Saint Louis18 min
Sep 19, 6:05 PM CDTTornado WarningDLHSaint Louis25 min
Sep 19, 6:08 PM CDTTornado WarningDLHSaint Louis37 min
Sep 19, 6:22 PM CDTTornado WarningDLHPine23 min
Sep 19, 6:26 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHLake, Saint Louis30 min
Sep 19, 2:11 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice34 min
Sep 19, 3:04 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice26 min
Sep 19, 3:29 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPrice31 min
Sep 19, 6:51 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHBurnett, Washburn39 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Minnesota, 2024Tornado Warnings in Wisconsin, 2024Every tornado warning in 2024Tornadoes in 2024

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.