Alert archive / Minnesota / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 13, NWS Duluth, MN

July 24, 2026Itasca County, Minnesota

NWS Duluth, MN issued this tornado warning at Jul 24, 2026, 7:12 PM CDT for Itasca County, Minnesota. It was in force for 48 min. 1 report 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
Jul 24, 2026, 7:12 PM CDT (00:12 UTC)
Expired
Jul 24, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT
In force
48 min
Issued by
NWS Duluth, MN
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.75 in

County Itasca County, MN

The radar

The Duluth radar (KDLH), 159 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:10 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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jul 24, 7:18 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG2 Nnw Squaw Lake, MNPhoto on social media of trees down blocking MN-46 approximately 2 miles northwest of Squaw Lake. Time estimated from radar.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

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.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 24, 3:34 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC9 hr

The nearest sounding before it

International Fa, MN (KINL), launched 00:00Z, 0.2 hours before the alert went out and 115 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, International Fa, MN at 00:00Z on 2026-07-25Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 91 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, International Fa, MN at 00:00Z on 2026-07-25The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 378 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
91 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-302 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1556 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
46 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
378 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
325 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

481 
WFUS53 KDLH 250012
TORDLH
MNC061-250100-
/O.NEW.KDLH.TO.W.0013.260725T0012Z-260725T0100Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Duluth MN
712 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

The National Weather Service in Duluth MN has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northwestern Itasca County in north central Minnesota...

* Until 800 PM CDT.

* At 711 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Squaw Lake, or 37 miles northeast of Bemidji,
  moving southeast at 30 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and golf ball size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

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

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Squaw Lake and Oslund around 715 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4767 9430 4782 9417 4769 9356 4752 9362
      4742 9382
TIME...MOT...LOC 0011Z 301DEG 24KT 4771 9414 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN

$$

Levens
4 follow-up statements
966 
WWUS53 KDLH 250024
SVSDLH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
724 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MNC061-250100-
/O.CON.KDLH.TO.W.0013.000000T0000Z-260725T0100Z/
Itasca MN-
724 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN ITASCA COUNTY...

At 723 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Oslund, or 36 miles northwest of Grand Rapids,
moving southeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and golf ball size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

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

This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northwestern Itasca County, including the following locations... Sand
Lake, Jessie Lake, Spring Lake, Whitefish Lake, Max, North Star Lake,
Bowstring Lake, Talmoon, Bowstring, and Wirt.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4763 9422 4778 9407 4769 9356 4752 9362
      4742 9382
TIME...MOT...LOC 0023Z 300DEG 25KT 4764 9402 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN

$$

Levens
393 
WWUS53 KDLH 250037
SVSDLH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
737 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MNC061-250100-
/O.CON.KDLH.TO.W.0013.000000T0000Z-260725T0100Z/
Itasca MN-
737 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN ITASCA COUNTY...

At 736 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Inger, or 30 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, moving
southeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

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

Locations impacted include...
Marcell, Squaw Lake, Oslund, Inger, Spring Lake, Bowstring, Sand
Lake, Max, Wirt, Jessie Lake, Whitefish Lake, North Star Lake,
Bowstring Lake, and Talmoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4760 9417 4776 9399 4769 9356 4752 9362
      4742 9382
TIME...MOT...LOC 0036Z 303DEG 26KT 4759 9390 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Levens
813 
WWUS53 KDLH 250049
SVSDLH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
749 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MNC061-250100-
/O.CON.KDLH.TO.W.0013.000000T0000Z-260725T0100Z/
Itasca MN-
749 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
ITASCA COUNTY...

At 749 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Marcell, or 24 miles northwest of Grand Rapids,
moving southeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

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

Locations impacted include...
Marcell, Inger, Spring Lake, Bowstring, Jessie Lake, North Star Lake,
Bowstring Lake, and Talmoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4753 9402 4769 9386 4769 9356 4752 9362
      4742 9382
TIME...MOT...LOC 0049Z 304DEG 29KT 4754 9379 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Levens
865 
WWUS53 KDLH 250100
SVSDLH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
800 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MNC061-250110-
/O.EXP.KDLH.TO.W.0013.000000T0000Z-260725T0100Z/
Itasca MN-
800 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR CENTRAL ITASCA COUNTY HAS EXPIRED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has weakened 
and moved out of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been 
allowed to expire.

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

&&

LAT...LON 4753 9402 4769 9386 4769 9356 4752 9362
      4742 9382
TIME...MOT...LOC 0100Z 301DEG 24KT 4751 9372 

$$

Levens

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 Jul 24, 3:42 PM CDT, 3 hours 30 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and evening. Large hail to golf ball size is the main threat, but damaging wind gusts and perhaps a tornado can't be ruled out.
  • Hot weather with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s are likely this weekend and early next week. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Saturday and an Extreme Heat Watch was issued for most of the Northland Sunday.
  • Another round of showers and storms are forecast Sunday afternoon and night. A few strong to severe storms are possible.
  • Isolated to scattered showers and storms over the next week are forecast. Widespread measurable rainfall is not expected, although areas that see thunderstorms may pick up half an inch to 2 inches of rain.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 24, 3:42 PM CDT, 3 hours 30 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
342 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible late
  this afternoon and evening. Large hail to golf ball size is
  the main threat, but damaging wind gusts and perhaps a tornado
  can't be ruled out.

- Hot weather with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s are
  likely this weekend and early next week. A Heat Advisory is in
  effect for Saturday and an Extreme Heat Watch was issued for
  most of the Northland Sunday.

- Another round of showers and storms are forecast Sunday
  afternoon and night. A few strong to severe storms are
  possible.

- Isolated to scattered showers and storms over the next week
  are forecast. Widespread measurable rainfall is not expected,
  although areas that see thunderstorms may pick up half an inch
  to 2 inches of rain.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 342 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

Stratus remained in place over much of the Northland this
afternoon in response to a broad area of isentropic ascent ahead
of an approaching shortwave trough. Thunderstorms percolated
along the Canadian border west of Baudette this morning and
recently began to intensify. Will keep an eye on these storms as
the propagate eastward into north-central Minnesota. The
stratus limited temperatures to the upper 60s to middle 70s for
most locations today which likely has negative effect on
instability at the moment. Skies are clearing south of the area
of storms and rapid heating may develop as the clearing moves
into western Itasca and western Koochiching counties.

High-res guidance has been of little use so far today as the
models are under-representing the ongoing convection. They have
been consistent in developing another round of strong
thunderstorms over far northeast North Dakota and northwest
Minnesota between 22Z and 25.00Z and propagating them eastward
into north-central Minnesota. Recent regional radar mosaic
revealed strengthening storms along and north of an outflow
boundary from earlier convection. Southerly low-level flow is
amplified in this area per the latest SPC RAP mesoanalysis.
There is divergence at 850 mb in that area with stronger
southwesterly flow over northwest Ontario and strong convergence
at 700 mb. These factors will continue to support storm
redevelopment through early evening. Hodographs reveal favorable
veering in the 0-6 km layer for storm-scale organization with a
long, straight hodograph above ~4 km, which will support
efficient mass evacuation. Look for embedded supercells
initially with the potential for large hail and perhaps a
tornado this afternoon into early evening. Cold pool
consolidation will lead to upscale growth and a transition to a
hail and wind threat.

We will need to be mindful of training storms and the potential
for excessive rainfall. KMVX storm total precip from 1205Z
until 2007Z reveals a narrow stripe of more than 3 inches of
rain.

Heat and humidity return starting Saturday and will persist
through early next week. We issued a Heat Advisory for Saturday
over most of the Northland and an Extreme Heat Watch for Sunday.
Additional heat headlines may be needed Monday and Tuesday.

In addition to the heat Saturday, there is a risk of a storm or
two breaking through the cap. In the event storms develop, they
will be capable of large hail and damaging wind. As of this
afternoon, the risk of storms is less than 10% for any given
location.

Sunday will bring another potential for showers and storms,
some of which may be severe. An elevated mixed layer is forecast
to advect eastward over the region which will limit storm
potential initially. Strong heating beneath the cap will result
in an area of 3000-4000 J/kg of MUCAPE. There is a small chance
a few storms may break through the cap in the afternoon. The
more likely evolution will be storms developing near a cold
front in southern Manitoba and northeast North Dakota and moving
into north-central and central Minnesota during the evening. If
storms form in the afternoon, very large hail and damaging
winds are possible. With the later round of storms, damaging
winds will be the main threat.

Temperatures cool a bit behind the front Monday. Heat headlines
may be needed once again. For the remainder of next week,
temperatures will be in the 80s and low 90s until Friday.
Additional heat headlines may be needed. There will also be
periodic chances of rain and storms, mainly focused Wednesday
night and beyond.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 106 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MVFR CIGS will persist this afternoon. DLH and HYR are expected
to see ceilings lower to MVFR early this afternoon. An area of
showers and storms over far northwest Minnesota will propagate
eastward into INL around 20Z. Additional showers and storms are
forecast to develop tonight and will move eastward across
northern Minnesota through 25.09Z. BRD has the lowest chance of
precipitation. In the wake of the showers/storms early Saturday
morning, there will be a period of MVFR ceilings before
conditions improve.

&&

.MARINE /FOR NEARSHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/...
Issued at 252 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

Gusty southwest winds linger into tonight. Winds are expected
to gust between 20 and 30 kt through most of tonight. As such,
Small Craft Advisories remain in effect and gradually end
tonight and early Saturday morning. The last segment to end
will be near Grand Marais to Grand Portage, where the gusty
winds may last the longest into Saturday morning.

In addition to strong southwest winds in general, there is a
chance for showers and thunderstorms this evening and overnight,
which may result in gusty and erratic winds and perhaps some
small hail.

Winds will calm down on Saturday, become light and variable
Saturday night, then become light from the northeast on Sunday.
There is another chance of showers and storms Sunday, some of
which may be strong to severe. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 knots and
hail to quarter size is possible.

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

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 252 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

Showers and scattered thunderstorms are forecast generally
north of US-2 tonight. Rainfall amounts of 0.10-0.25 inches are
forecast. Areas affected by stronger storms may see more than an
inch of rain. A few storms may be strong to severe with wind
gusts of 40 to 60 mph. Saturday will be hot. Heat Advisories are
in effect for much of the Northland. Afternoon RH values will
dip to 35-50%. Portions of NW WI where clouds and showers linger
will see higher RH values. Winds will be mainly from the
northwest at 5-10 mph with gusts to 20 mph. There is a 10%
chance of an isolated storm or two Saturday afternoon over
north-central MN. Sunday will be warmer. An Extreme Heat Watch
is in effect where the worst conditions are forecast. Another
round of showers and storms is forecast during the afternoon
through the night. A few of those storms may be strong to
severe. Not as hot on Monday, though Heat Advisories will likely
be needed. Next week will see afternoon RH values in the 35-50%
range each day.

See the Fire Weather Forecast product for a more thorough
breakdown of fire weather conditions.

&&

.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 9 PM CDT Saturday for MNZ010-018-
     019-025-026-033>038.
     Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday morning through Sunday evening
     for MNZ018-025-026-033>038.
WI...Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 9 PM CDT Saturday for WIZ001-002-
     006-007.
     Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday morning through Sunday evening
     for WIZ001>003-006>008.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 7 AM CDT Saturday for LSZ121-
     146>148-150.
     Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM CDT Saturday for LSZ140.
     Small Craft Advisory until 4 AM CDT Saturday for LSZ141>145.

&&

DISCUSSION...Huyck
AVIATION...Huyck
MARINE...Huyck
FIRE WEATHER...Huyck
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 24, 7:04 PM CDT, 8 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Duluth MN
704 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-260015-
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-
704 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Thunderstorm chances increase late this afternoon and into
tonight, mainly over northeast Minnesota. Scattered strong to
severe storms are possible over north-centeral Minnesota. Large
hail up to tennis ball size and damaging wind gusts to 70 mph are
the primary concerns with these thunderstorms. A tornado can't be
ruled out.

Areas of smoke are expected.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Areas of smoke are expected at times through the weekend and into
next week.

Heat will build through the weekend, and heat headlines may be
needed for portions of the Northland Saturday through Monday. A
Heat Advisory is in effect for most of the Northland Saturday and
an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for most of the Northland
Sunday.

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible late Sunday
afternoon through early Monday morning. Large hail and damaging
winds are the main threats.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotters may be needed tonight. Spotters and the public
are encouraged to report hail of any size, wind damage, and
rainfall amounts to the National Weather Service.

LSZ121-140>148-150-260015-
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-
704 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight

There is a chance isolated thunderstorms tonight through early
Saturday morning, with cloud-to-water lightning, gusty and erratic
winds, and small hail possible.

Strong southwest winds are expected into tonight. Small Craft
Advisories are in effect.

Areas of smoke are expected.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday
evening through early Monday morning. Large hail and wind gusts of
40-50 knots are the main threats.

Huyck

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

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 24, 7:08 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatDLHItasca, Koochiching52 min
Jul 24, 8:00 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHItasca, Saint Louis27 min
Jul 24, 8:10 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHItasca, Koochiching65 min
Jul 24, 9:14 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryDLHItasca, Koochiching6 hr
Jul 24, 10:31 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHCass, Itasca59 min
Jul 25, 11:52 AM CDTHeat AdvisoryDLHCook, Koochiching, Lake, Saint Louis33 hr
Jul 25, 11:52 AM CDTExtreme Heat WarningDLHAitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Pine and 1 more33 hr
Jul 25, 11:58 AM CDTMarine Dense Fog AdvisoryDLH22 hr

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Minnesota, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026

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.