Alert archive / Minnesota / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2025
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 29, NWS Twin Cities, MN
NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 15, 2025, 2:41 PM CDT for 9 counties in Minnesota. It was in force for 49 min. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- May 15, 2025, 2:41 PM CDT (19:41 UTC)
- Expired
- May 15, 2025, 3:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 49 min
- Issued by
- NWS Twin Cities, MN
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Possible
- Hail
- 1.0 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Anoka County, MN, Chisago County, MN, Hennepin County, MN, Isanti County, MN, Kanabec County, MN, Mille Lacs County, MN, Ramsey County, MN, Sherburne County, MN, Washington County, MN
The radar
The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 70 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:40 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2:43 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Blaine, MN | Delayed report, time estimated from radar. Powerlines down in Blaine. |
| May 15, 3:11 PM CDT | HAIL 0.75 | 1 E Isanti, MN | Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.). |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 2 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 12:46 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 7 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 7.7 hours before the alert went out and 72 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 515 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -91 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1098 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 18 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 148 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 141 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 1.0
The text
As transmitted.
635
WUUS53 KMPX 151941
SVRMPX
MNC003-025-053-059-065-095-123-141-163-152030-
/O.NEW.KMPX.SV.W.0029.250515T1941Z-250515T2030Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
241 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Eastern Sherburne County in central Minnesota...
Anoka County in east central Minnesota...
Chisago County in east central Minnesota...
Northeast Hennepin County in east central Minnesota...
Isanti County in east central Minnesota...
Southwestern Kanabec County in east central Minnesota...
Southeastern Mille Lacs County in east central Minnesota...
Northern Ramsey County in east central Minnesota...
Northern Washington County in east central Minnesota...
* Until 330 PM CDT.
* At 241 PM CDT, A line of severe thunderstorms were located from
near Elk River to over Vadnais Heights, or along a line from 17
miles northeast of Buffalo to 6 miles north of St. Paul, moving
northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind
damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Cambridge, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Coon
Rapids, Blaine, Maplewood, Roseville, Andover, Brooklyn Center,
Fridley, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Ramsey, Champlin, Elk River,
New Brighton, Lino Lakes and Columbia Heights.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. These storms are capable of producing damaging winds and
large hail.
Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Seek
shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a
well-built structure.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for portions of
central and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4529 9361 4533 9367 4596 9346 4580 9314
4573 9314 4573 9301 4566 9288 4558 9288
4557 9277 4554 9273 4544 9265 4540 9265
4529 9276 4524 9276 4495 9315 4500 9321
4503 9321 4504 9324 4523 9352 4530 9356
PARTITION...327053
TIME...MOT...LOC 1940Z 202DEG 42KT 4535 9363 4518 9337 4502 9311
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Dye3 follow-up statements
487
WWUS53 KMPX 151955
SVSMPX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
255 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
MNC053-152005-
/O.CAN.KMPX.SV.W.0029.000000T0000Z-250515T2030Z/
Hennepin MN-
255 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR NORTHEAST HENNEPIN
COUNTY...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However, gusty winds are
still possible with these thunderstorms.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for a portion of
east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4596 9346 4580 9314 4573 9314 4573 9301
4566 9288 4558 9288 4556 9282 4557 9277
4553 9273 4551 9272 4544 9265 4540 9265
4536 9270 4535 9270 4529 9276 4524 9276
4505 9301 4528 9331 4541 9364
PARTITION...327053
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 202DEG 42KT 4536 9362 4519 9336 4504 9310
$$
MNC003-025-059-065-095-123-141-163-152030-
/O.CON.KMPX.SV.W.0029.000000T0000Z-250515T2030Z/
Anoka MN-Chisago MN-Isanti MN-Kanabec MN-Mille Lacs MN-Ramsey MN-
Sherburne MN-Washington MN-
255 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT
FOR NORTHEASTERN SHERBURNE, ANOKA, CHISAGO, ISANTI, SOUTHWESTERN
KANABEC, SOUTHEASTERN MILLE LACS, NORTHEASTERN RAMSEY AND NORTHERN
WASHINGTON COUNTIES...
At 255 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line from
near Zimmerman to near Hugo, or along a line from 16 miles west of
Cambridge to 17 miles north of St. Paul, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Cambridge, Blaine, Andover, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Elk River,
Lino Lakes, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hugo, East Bethel, North
Branch, Mahtomedi, St. Francis, Isanti, Zimmerman, Chisago City,
Princeton, Lindstrom and Scandia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. These storms are capable of producing damaging winds and
large hail.
Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Seek
shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a
well-built structure.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for portions of
central and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4596 9346 4580 9314 4573 9314 4573 9301
4566 9288 4558 9288 4556 9282 4557 9277
4553 9273 4551 9272 4544 9265 4540 9265
4536 9270 4535 9270 4529 9276 4524 9276
4505 9301 4528 9331 4541 9364
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 202DEG 42KT 4532 9364 4519 9336 4504 9310
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Dye219
WWUS53 KMPX 152012
SVSMPX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
312 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
MNC123-152022-
/O.CAN.KMPX.SV.W.0029.000000T0000Z-250515T2030Z/
Ramsey MN-
312 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR NORTHEASTERN RAMSEY
COUNTY...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However, gusty winds are
still possible with these thunderstorms.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for a portion of
east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4596 9346 4580 9314 4573 9314 4573 9301
4566 9288 4558 9288 4557 9287 4556 9282
4557 9277 4553 9273 4551 9272 4544 9265
4540 9265 4536 9270 4529 9276 4524 9276
4513 9290 4533 9319 4554 9360
TIME...MOT...LOC 1955Z 202DEG 42KT 4547 9355 4534 9327 4519 9301
$$
MNC003-025-059-065-095-141-163-152030-
/O.CON.KMPX.SV.W.0029.000000T0000Z-250515T2030Z/
Anoka MN-Chisago MN-Isanti MN-Kanabec MN-Mille Lacs MN-Sherburne
MN-Washington MN-
312 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT
FOR EASTERN SHERBURNE, NORTHEASTERN ANOKA, CHISAGO, ISANTI,
SOUTHWESTERN KANABEC, SOUTHEASTERN MILLE LACS AND NORTHERN
WASHINGTON COUNTIES...
At 312 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line from
10 miles southeast of Bock to over Chisago City, or along a line
from 13 miles northwest of Cambridge to 20 miles southeast of
Cambridge, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Cambridge, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hugo, East Bethel, North Branch,
St. Francis, Isanti, Chisago City, Princeton, Lindstrom, Scandia,
Mora, Rush City, St. Croix Falls, Stacy, Brunswick, Taylors Falls,
Center City and Ogilvie.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. These storms are capable of producing damaging winds and
large hail.
Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Seek
shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a
well-built structure.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for portions of
central and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4596 9346 4580 9314 4573 9314 4573 9301
4566 9288 4558 9288 4557 9287 4556 9282
4557 9277 4553 9273 4551 9272 4544 9265
4540 9265 4536 9270 4529 9276 4524 9276
4513 9290 4533 9319 4554 9360
TIME...MOT...LOC 1955Z 202DEG 42KT 4547 9355 4534 9327 4519 9301
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Dye933
WWUS53 KMPX 152028
SVSMPX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
328 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
MNC003-025-059-065-095-141-163-152038-
/O.EXP.KMPX.SV.W.0029.000000T0000Z-250515T2030Z/
Anoka MN-Chisago MN-Isanti MN-Kanabec MN-Mille Lacs MN-Sherburne
MN-Washington MN-
328 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 330 PM CDT FOR EASTERN
SHERBURNE, NORTHEASTERN ANOKA, CHISAGO, ISANTI, SOUTHWESTERN
KANABEC, SOUTHEASTERN MILLE LACS AND NORTHERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, heavy
rain is still possible with these thunderstorms.
&&
LAT...LON 4596 9346 4580 9314 4573 9314 4573 9301
4566 9288 4558 9288 4557 9287 4556 9282
4557 9277 4553 9273 4551 9272 4544 9265
4540 9265 4536 9270 4529 9276 4524 9276
4513 9290 4533 9319 4554 9360
TIME...MOT...LOC 2012Z 202DEG 42KT 4566 9344 4553 9316 4538 9290
$$
JRBWhat 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 Twin Cities, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 15, 12:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 48 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Initial thunderstorm complex moves across central/southern Minnesota through daybreak. Storms are forecast to weaken as they move east.
- Enhanced Risk (Level 3/5) for severe weather from eastern Minnesota through most of Wisconsin this afternoon. Very large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are all possible.
- Strong southwesterly winds follow the frontal passage this evening and continue into Friday. Wind Advisory issued across southern Minnesota where gusts up to 50 mph are possible.
- Cooler, below normal temperatures for the weekend. Wet weather returns early next week.
Area forecast discussion, May 15, 12:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 48 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1253 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Initial thunderstorm complex moves across central/southern Minnesota
through daybreak. Storms are forecast to weaken as they move
east.
- Enhanced Risk (Level 3/5) for severe weather from eastern Minnesota
through most of Wisconsin this afternoon. Very large hail,
damaging winds, and tornadoes are all possible.
- Strong southwesterly winds follow the frontal passage this
evening and continue into Friday. Wind Advisory issued across
southern Minnesota where gusts up to 50 mph are possible.
- Cooler, below normal temperatures for the weekend. Wet weather
returns early next week.
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1140 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025
Today...Storms expected to develop between 12 and 1pm across
western and central Minnesota, lifting northeast this afternoon
and evening. Latest 3hr SBCAPE change shows an increase of about
1500 J/kg of instability over the morning hours across southwest
Minnesota. There is an occluded frontal boundary that
transitioned to a warm front, and north of this warm front was
a stratus deck with LCLs near 1500 ft. This stratus was starting
to take on a more cumulus look in the latest satellite imagery,
and HiRes models show this as the area of initiation shortly.
The forecast parameters that support severe weather are strong
forcing aloft, and a favorable low level wind profile with
large curved hodographs. This is the main concern with regards
to the tornado threat.
The forecast parameters that are not supportive are the higher
cloud bases north of the boundary, and the fact that storms will
be moving across a narrow ribbon of instability. Also the mid
and upper level wind are weak (though divergent ahead of the
upper level wave).
For those reasons, anticipate storms developing quickly given
the strong forcing. The main tornado threat looks to be shortly
after initiation as the storms are able to tap into an
environment with lower LCLs, and still remain discrete. However
since they will be moving across the boundary, the tornadoes
should be shorter-lived but could still be strong, as indicated
by the short, yet isolated higher amounts of Updraft Helicity.
This would be early this afternoon in Minnesota, and mid to late
afternoon in Wisconsin. Steep mid level lapse rates would
support large hail, and the damaging wind component will develop
after the storms form into a line, with potential for a QLCS
and areas of embedded rotation.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 158 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025
SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE TODAY...Regional radar captures robust
convection ongoing across southeastern SD/northeastern NE. The
strongest activity was located on the nose of the instability
gradient over northeastern NE. As anticipated, upscale growth into a
mature MCS is underway. We've discussed the potential outcomes in
the track of this complex over the past few discussions. HREF's CAM
ensemble has come into pretty solid agreement that the MCS will move
into southwestern Minnesota and continue on a more northeasterly
track supported by the mid to upper level flow. Even at this near
term/nowcast forecast distance, it still seems conceivable that the
MCS takes a little bit of an easterly turn along the instability
gradient, which keeps areas like the TC Metro in play for convection
through mid-morning. This scenario is displayed by the 00z RRFS.
Isolated damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible as the
complex moves across southwest MN, though we do expect the MCS to
gradually decay as moves east with time.
The quick translation of a negatively tilted trough over the eastern
Dakotas will support the deepening of a climatologically anomalous
~980s mb surface low near the ND/SD/MN triple point. The occlusion
of the surface cyclone will send an elongated cold front rapidly
across Minnesota, which will be the focus for a potential severe
weather episode this afternoon. An EML, characterized by a narrow
plume 8-8.5C/km mid-level lapse rates, will overspread southern MN
following the morning MCS. This will effectively work to "cap" the
atmosphere, allowing for extreme instability to build aloft ahead of
the primary severe weather threat -- though it should be noted that
this window will likely be fairly short as attempts at renewed
convective initiation are expected across eastern MN as early as
late morning. Elevated convection near the surface low will likely
be ongoing across western/central MN through the mid-morning hours.
There could be a few instances of large hail in this convection,
however the greater threat of severe weather will exist to the south
and east. While cloud debris from the morning MCS/slow-to-clear
precipitation may play a factor in the eventual outcome of today's
setup, there is high confidence that a rather volatile environment
capable of producing all severe weather hazards will take shape over
eastern MN/western WI by late morning. A quick highlight of the
expected environment across eastern MN/western WI includes MLCAPEs
of 2500+ J/kg (supporting robust updrafts), modestly steep mid-level
lapse rates, SHIP values between 2.0-2.5 (indicates the potential
for significant hail in excess of 2"), along with strong shear.
Convective mode will be a key player in the occurrence of any single
hazard, but this type of environment is capable of producing very
large hail (2"+), damaging winds (60+ mph) and tornadoes (perhaps a
few strong tornadoes). SPC made little change to the new Day 1
Outlook, as far eastern MN and all of western WI remaining under the
Enhanced Risk (3/5). Much of the remaining real estate across the
MPX coverage area (central/southern MN) are under the Slight Risk
(Level 2/5).
The threat across the Slight Risk area is somewhat conditional due
to the capping and quick turnaround from the morning convection,
which may in turn limit storm coverage. However, CAMs continue to
display an arc of robust convection developing by early afternoon
across east central MN southeast into western WI. Given the
aforementioned environment and strong synoptic support, would expect
convection to intensify quickly. Essentially the Enhanced Risk
serves as the area by which widespread coverage of numerous severe
thunderstorms are expected. So while all hazards are possible with
any storms that develop today, the greatest probabilities exist
across far eastern MN/western WI. Another item to watch will be the
upscale evolution of convection as matures with eastward movement
into WI this afternoon. Should storms grow into linear segments, a
more pronounced damaging wind threat may materialize. Conversely,
should supercells remain semi-discrete, a greater tornado scenario
is on the table. SPC has highlighted a large swath of west/central
WI under the 10% sig hatched area of tornadoes. Convection will be
moving quickly given the strong flow aloft, so we'll be able to give
a high confidence "all clear" from southwest to northeast with time
this afternoon. Today is not a "slam dunk" severe weather day in the
Twin Cities given the conditional nature of storm coverage, but it
is a day to respect the setup and be ready to respond to
Watch/Warning information should severe thunderstorms develop.
STRONG WINDS THIS EVENING/FRIDAY...Shortly after the departure of
convection, a "sting jet" scenario aims to setup across the region.
The translation of the 700mb jetstreak around the upper-low will
drive strong southwesterly winds to the surface with gusts up to 50
mph this afternoon and evening. We'll observe an increase in winds
across the entire region as this process occurs, but it's south-
central Minnesota where the forecast of strongest winds has prompted
the issuance of a Wind Advisory. Strong winds (45+ mph), lingering
deformation precipitation, and cooler temperatures will make for a
rather raw day tomorrow. The potent Spring storm system will begin
to depart Saturday, though it will still be breezy and cool with
highs in the 50s. Temperatures then climb into the 60s Sunday &
beyond, with the return of rain chances early next week. Latest NBM
already features 80%+ PoPs in the Tuesday timeframe...which is
reflective of nearly all ensemble members displaying precipitation.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1234 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
Primary concerns this period are a line of storms quickly
developing in southern and central/eastern MN, followed by very
gusty SW winds through tomorrow. Storms are starting to fire
along a cold front currently extending from near AXN to near MKT
and this line is expected to grow in coverage over the next 1-2
hours as it approaches MSP as a scattered/broken line, and a
broken/solid line as it pushes further east toward EAU around
21Z. Impacts should be short-lived, generally an hour or less,
but could be accompanied by gusty winds and hail. Once this line
passes skies will quickly become scattered VFR but that will
bring the onset of gusty southwest winds of 30-35 kts that will
last through the overnight into much of Friday. Western MN should
see gusts over 40 kts. Rain and MVFR cigs will slowly move in
from west to east Friday morning and afternoon.
KMSP...Scattered line of storms developing near KMKT will grow
in coverage and intensity, reaching MSP around 19Z. Duration
will last 30-45 minutes. Line should be scattered to broken in
nature when it arrives, so some impacts at KMSP are likely, and
if a stronger cell moves overhead there could be gusts as high
as 50 kts and hail. Winds will quickly become SWerly behind the
line, initially around 190-200 degrees veering to around 220-230
by 22Z. Gusts over 30kts are likely this afternoon through
tomorrow outside of some slight decrease early Fri morning.
Gusts as high as 40 kts are possible, particularly around
22Z-00Z this evening.
/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
SAT...MVFR mrng cigs likely. Wind NW 10-15G20-25 kts.
SUN...VFR. Wind NE 5-10 kts.
MON...Mainly VFR. Chance MVFR/SHRA. Wind ESE 10-15G25kts.
&&
.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Wind Advisory until 9 PM CDT this evening for Blue Earth-Brown-
Chippewa-Faribault-Freeborn-Lac Qui Parle-Le Sueur-Martin-
Nicollet-Redwood-Renville-Sibley-Steele-Waseca-Watonwan-
Yellow Medicine.
WI...None.
&&
UPDATE...JRB
DISCUSSION...Strus
AVIATION...DPHHazardous weather outlook, May 15, 3:34 AM CDT, 11 hours 7 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 334 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025 MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028- 160830- Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns- Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa- Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington- Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota- Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth- Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk- St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Eau Claire- 334 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Scattered thunderstorms can be expected over western Minnesota this morning. A few storms may be strong to severe, possibly producing large hail, damaging winds or a tornado or two. After a late morning into early afternoon lull, additional thunderstorms can be expected over central and eastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin late this afternoon and evening. A few storms may be strong to severe over eastern MN into western WI, possibly producing large hail, damaging winds or a few tornadoes. There is an Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) Risk of severe thunderstorms over eastern MN into western WI, a Slight (Level 2 of 5) Risk of severe thunderstorms over central MN and a Marginal (Level 1 of 5) Risk of severe thunderstorms over western and far southern MN today. Strong south to southwest winds, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, can be expected this afternoon over southern and southwestern Minnesota this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Strong west winds, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, will be possible on Friday across western through southern Minnesota. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed this morning in western MN and this afternoon and evening in eastern MN into western WI.
In the hours before
Special weather statement, May 15, 10:24 AM CDT, 4 hours 17 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1024 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025
MNZ045-151545-
Kanabec MN-
1024 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN KANABEC COUNTY
UNTIL 1045 AM CDT...
At 1024 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm
over Brunswick, or 16 miles north of Cambridge, moving north at 40
mph.
HAZARD...Nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Mora, Brunswick, Quamba, Mora Airport and Lewis Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional
information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 4573 9340 4597 9334 4596 9314 4586 9314
4573 9323
TIME...MOT...LOC 1524Z 188DEG 34KT 4576 9327
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
PVLocal storm report, May 15, 1:22 PM CDT, 1 hour 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
122 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0116 PM Tornado 2 E Danvers 45.28N 95.72W
05/15/2025 Swift MN Trained Spotter
Location estimated based on spotter report.
Time is approximate. Photo provided.
&&
PVLocal storm report, May 15, 1:46 PM CDT, 55 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
146 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0135 PM Funnel Cloud 3 SSE Benson 45.28N 95.58W
05/15/2025 Swift MN Trained Spotter
Large funnel SE of Benson. Location is an
estimate from phone call. Photo on X.
&&
PVLocal storm report, May 15, 1:49 PM CDT, 52 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
149 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0138 PM Tornado 1 W Benson 45.32N 95.62W
05/15/2025 Swift MN Trained Spotter
Debris visible.
&&
PVLocal storm report, May 15, 1:50 PM CDT, 51 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
150 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0140 PM Tornado 2 N Benson 45.34N 95.60W
05/15/2025 Swift MN Trained Spotter
debris reported.
&&
PVSpecial weather statement, May 15, 2:36 PM CDT, 5 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
236 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
MNZ041-042-048-049-152000-
Todd MN-Pope MN-Douglas MN-Stearns MN-
236 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT DOUGLAS...NORTHEASTERN POPE...
SOUTHERN TODD AND NORTHWESTERN STEARNS COUNTIES UNTIL 3 PM CDT...
At 236 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Sauk Centre, or 18 miles southeast of Alexandria,
moving north at 60 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Alexandria, Sauk Centre, Melrose, Long Prairie, Freeport,
Evansville, Carlos, Brandon, Swanville, Grey Eagle, Lake Osakis,
Little Sauk, Holmes City, Round Prairie, Leaf Valley, Miltona,
Garfield, Belle River, New Munich and Grove Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
&&
LAT...LON 4576 9552 4588 9576 4593 9576 4603 9577
4611 9577 4611 9515 4615 9515 4601 9465
4593 9465 4593 9464 4545 9464 4541 9476
4541 9485
TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 175DEG 52KT 4572 9510
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
BEDThe office that day
Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 10:17 PM CDT | Wind Advisory | MPX | Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Faribault, Freeborn, Lac qui Parle and 10 more | 45 hr |
| May 15, 3:52 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine | 23 min |
| May 15, 4:14 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine | 31 min |
| May 15, 4:27 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Chippewa, Swift, Yellow Medicine | 33 min |
| May 15, 5:00 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Redwood | 45 min |
| May 15, 5:29 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Renville | 31 min |
| May 15, 5:34 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Redwood, Renville | 26 min |
| May 15, 6:06 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Renville | 24 min |
| May 15, 9:23 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Isanti | 37 min |
| May 15, 9:36 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Isanti, Mille Lacs, Sherburne | 24 min |
| May 15, 9:58 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Isanti | 17 min |
| May 15, 10:24 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Kanabec | 21 min |
| May 15, 12:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Le Sueur | 19 min |
| May 15, 1:17 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Swift | 28 min |
| May 15, 1:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, Rice, Scott, Steele | 33 min |
| May 15, 1:33 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Meeker, Wright | 27 min |
| May 15, 1:36 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Carver, Wright | 24 min |
| May 15, 1:37 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Pope, Stevens, Swift | 38 min |
| May 15, 1:48 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Scott | 10 min |
| May 15, 1:55 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice, Scott and 1 more | 35 min |
| May 15, 2:25 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey | 20 min |
| May 15, 2:31 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Dakota, Goodhue, Ramsey, Washington | 44 min |
| May 15, 2:36 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Douglas, Todd | 24 min |
| May 15, 2:52 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Stearns, Todd | 23 min |
| May 15, 3:06 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Mille Lacs | 24 min |
| May 15, 3:13 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Todd | 32 min |
| May 15, 3:26 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Kanabec | 19 min |
| May 15, 3:34 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Kanabec, Mille Lacs | 24 min |
| May 15, 3:37 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Benton, Morrison, Stearns | 23 min |
| May 15, 3:56 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Benton, Morrison | 34 min |
| May 15, 4:22 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Mille Lacs | 38 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Minnesota, 2025Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2025
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.