Alert archive / Minnesota / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 135, NWS Twin Cities, MN
NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jun 30, 2026, 5:31 AM CDT for Freeborn County, Steele County, Minnesota. It was in force for 35 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued.
The facts
- Issued
- Jun 30, 2026, 5:31 AM CDT (10:31 UTC)
- Expired
- Jun 30, 2026, 6:06 AM CDT
- In force
- 35 min
- Issued by
- NWS Twin Cities, MN
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 1.0 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Freeborn County, MN, Steele County, MN
The radar
The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 119 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:35 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.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this severe thunderstorm 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.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 30, 2:59 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 6 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 10.5 hours before the alert went out and 119 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
- 4778 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -57 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1006 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 42 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 177 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 376 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 6.8
- Supercell composite
- 41.5
The text
As transmitted.
093
WUUS53 KMPX 301031
SVRMPX
MNC047-147-301115-
/O.NEW.KMPX.SV.W.0135.260630T1031Z-260630T1115Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
531 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Eastern Freeborn County in south central Minnesota...
Southern Steele County in south central Minnesota...
* Until 615 AM CDT.
* At 531 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Alden, or 7
miles northwest of Albert Lea, moving northeast at 45 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...
Albert Lea, Hayward, Clarks Grove, Hollandale, Geneva, Ellendale,
Steele Center, Blooming Prairie, Bixby and Rice Lake State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds and large
hail.
&&
LAT...LON 4358 9346 4385 9341 4390 9341 4404 9314
4409 9305 4374 9305 4363 9329
TIME...MOT...LOC 1031Z 224DEG 39KT 4369 9349
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
ETA2 follow-up statements
473
WWUS53 KMPX 301057
SVSMPX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
557 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
MNC047-147-301115-
/O.CON.KMPX.SV.W.0135.000000T0000Z-260630T1115Z/
Freeborn MN-Steele MN-
557 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 AM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN FREEBORN AND SOUTHEASTERN STEELE COUNTIES...
At 557 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Blooming
Prairie, or 16 miles south of Owatonna, moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected.
Locations impacted include...
Steele Center, Blooming Prairie and Bixby.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. This storm is capable of producing large hail.
&&
LAT...LON 4385 9323 4393 9326 4397 9305 4380 9305
4380 9322
TIME...MOT...LOC 1031Z 240DEG 34KT 4375 9343
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH
$$
ETA094
WWUS53 KMPX 301106
SVSMPX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
606 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
MNC047-147-301116-
/O.CAN.KMPX.SV.W.0135.000000T0000Z-260630T1115Z/
Freeborn MN-Steele MN-
606 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR NORTHEASTERN FREEBORN
AND SOUTHEASTERN STEELE COUNTIES...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning has
been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 AM CDT
Tuesday for a portion of south central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4385 9323 4393 9326 4397 9305 4380 9305
4380 9322
TIME...MOT...LOC 1057Z 240DEG 34KT 4387 9313
$$
ETAWhat 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 Jun 30, 3:03 AM CDT, 2 hours 28 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Thunderstorms capable;le of damaging wind gusts are expected this morning, especially across southern Minnesota.
- Hot & humid again today with the highest heat index values of 95-100 F across eastern Minnesota & western Wisconsin.
- Thunderstorms likely tomorrow morning.
Area forecast discussion, Jun 30, 3:03 AM CDT, 2 hours 28 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
303 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Thunderstorms capable;le of damaging wind gusts are expected
this morning, especially across southern Minnesota.
- Hot & humid again today with the highest heat index values of
95-100 F across eastern Minnesota & western Wisconsin.
- Thunderstorms likely tomorrow morning.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 228 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
Main weather concern this morning will be a thunderstorm
complex producing damaging wind gusts over 50-60 mph moving
northeastwards out nor northwest Iowa. A primed environment for
severe weather lies ahead of this thunderstorm complex so it
show no signs of slowing down as it moves through southern
Minnesota & into the Twin Cities metro & western Wisconsin early
this morning. The greatest chance for damaging wind gusts over
50-60 mph will be across southern Minnesota, while it remains
uncertain just how far north & east that threat may continue.
Regardless, gusty winds of at least 30-40 mph are likely with
any of the thunderstorms this morning in additional to brief
heavy downpours The thunderstorm complex is moving
northeastwards at over 50 mph, meaning it'll reach the I-90
corridor through 3-4 AM, the Twin Cities & I-35 by 5-6 AM, &
into western WI through 6-8 AM.
The morning thunderstorms will be decaying & out of our area by
8-9 AM, & then the question will be how quickly we clear out
through the morning & into the afternoon. High-resolutiion
models that are handling the ongoing thunderstorm complex still
warm temperatures into the low 90s across eastern Minnesota &
western Wisconsin meaning our Heat Advisory continues to look on
track. Another trend to watch will be how much convection is
able to bubble up in western Wisconsin this afternoon. Notable
is that the high-resolutiin models that handle the morning
convection are less-robust with any thunderstorms this
afternoon, meaning the severe potential may be setting up
farther to our east over central & eastern Wisconsin.
Another chance for thunderstorms, including the potential for a
severe thunderstorm complex, look likely Wednesday morning.
These thunderstorms look to be more widespread & persist longer
through the morning, meaning temperatures do look to be cooler
during the afternoon in the low to mid 80s. It'l still be muggy,
but a welcome break from the excessive heat. Looking ahead -
it'll be more of the same through the holiday weekend with
muggy conditions & multiple chances for thunderstorms,
including a severe thunderstorm & heavy rain threat.
Temperatures do continue to look cooler than we were thinking a
few days ago, with highs generally in the 80s as opposed to
90s. The threat for an extended heat wave continues to trend
lower, but continue to take necessary cooling actions as needed.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1224 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
Convection from earlier this evening has dissipated with VFR
conditions at most terminals. SCT -TSRA is seen on radar for
EAU with instances of MVFR conditions through 07z. Skies remain
BKN to OVC at 5-10 kft with MVFR (BKN at 2-4 kft) for STC. Winds
generally S to SSW at 8-13 knots with gusts to 20-25 knots over
the next few hours, becoming 5-10 knots by 10z.
High resolution models continue to show a line of TSRA, or MCS-
like feature moving NE out of Nebraska and Iowa before moving
into Minnesota later this morning. PROB30s remain in TAFs for
all terminals except AXN and STC. If this line of TSRA maintains
and moves across the area flight categories may drop to IFR to
MVFR. Something we will be monitoring over the next several
hours and TAFs will be AMENDED if needed. High res models show
this activity departing the area by 12-13z with BKN-OVC skies in
it's wake. Skies will quickly clear by early afternoon with FEW
at 5-10 kft and FEW to SCT at 20-25 kft this afternoon. Winds
will be SW at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20-25 knots this
afternoon.
KMSP...VFR conditions expected over the next several hours with
BKN to OVC skies. Winds remain breezy out of the S/SSW at 10-15
knots with gusts to 20-25 knots. Winds will slowly decrease
through the overnight and early morning timeframe. High res
model guidance continue to show a line of TSRA or MCS-like
feature moving NE out of Nebraska and Iowa before entering
Minnesota later this morning. PROB30s for TSRA remain in the
TAF. If said line of TSRA moves into the metro vicinity, flight
categories may become IFR to MVFR by 10z. This is something we
will continue monitoring in the coming hours and TAF will be
AMENDED if needed. High res models show this activity departing
the metro area by 12z with BKN to OVC skies in it's wake. Skies
will quickly clear by afternoon with FEW at 5-10 kft and FEW-SCT
at 20-25 kft during the afternoon. Winds in the afternoon will
be SW at 10-15 knots sustained with gusts to 20-25 knots.
/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
WED...VFR. Chc -TSRA. Wind SW 8-13G20 kts.
THU...VFR. Chc PM -TSRA. S 5-10 kts.
FRI...VFR. Chc PM -TSRA. S 5-10 kts.
&&
.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Heat Advisory until 9 PM CDT this evening for Anoka-Blue Earth-
Brown-Carver-Chisago-Dakota-Faribault-Freeborn-Goodhue-
Hennepin-Le Sueur-Martin-McLeod-Nicollet-Ramsey-Rice-
Scott-Sibley-Steele-Waseca-Washington-Watonwan-Wright.
WI...Heat Advisory until 9 PM CDT this evening for Barron-Chippewa-
Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Polk-Rusk-St. Croix.
&&
DISCUSSION...ETA
AVIATION...LPRHazardous weather outlook, Jun 30, 2:27 AM CDT, 3 hours 4 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 227 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026 MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028- 010730- 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- 227 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. A line of thunderstorm will move across Minnesota & into western Wisconsin early this morning. The highest chance for severe wind gusts of 60+ mph is across southern Minnesota. Wind gusts of 40-60 mph are possible farther north into central Minnesota & western Wisconsin. Heat index values of 95-100 degrees are expected across eastern Minnesota & western Wisconsin this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Muggy conditions continue through the week, although max heat index values should remain below 100 degrees. Thunderstorm chances continue through most of the week. Severe thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall are possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... SKYWARN spotter reports of wind & wind damage are requested this morning.
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jun 30, 3:16 AM CDT, 2 hours 15 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
316 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0315 AM Tstm Wnd Gst Butterfield 43.96N 94.80W
06/30/2026 M61 MPH Watonwan MN Public
&&Local storm report, Jun 30, 3:25 AM CDT, 2 hours 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
325 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0322 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 5 WNW Truman 43.86N 94.53W
06/30/2026 M60 MPH Watonwan MN Public
&&Local storm report, Jun 30, 3:26 AM CDT, 2 hours 5 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
326 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0310 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NNE Welcome 43.68N 94.62W
06/30/2026 M67 MPH Martin MN Dept of Highways
MNDot Road observation site recorded a wind
gust of 67 mph.
&&
LPRLocal storm report, Jun 30, 3:43 AM CDT, 1 hour 48 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
343 AM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0335 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 3 E St. James 43.99N 94.56W
06/30/2026 M60 MPH Watonwan MN ASOS
St. James Municipal Airport ASOS recorded a
60 mph wind gust.
&&
LPRThe office that day
Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 29, 9:25 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Douglas, Pope | 65 min |
| Jun 29, 9:58 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Douglas, Pope, Todd | 47 min |
| Jun 29, 10:25 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | MPX | Redwood | 50 min |
| Jun 29, 10:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Morrison, Todd | 48 min |
| Jun 29, 10:32 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Brown, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville | 43 min |
| Jun 29, 10:45 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | MPX | Morrison, Todd | 30 min |
| Jun 30, 2:46 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Martin, Watonwan | 59 min |
| Jun 30, 3:44 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, McLeod, Nicollet, Renville and 2 more | 30 min |
| Jun 30, 4:57 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MPX | Blue Earth, Faribault, Freeborn, Waseca | 48 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Minnesota, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.