Tornadoes and Hail in Minnesota, April 18, 2004

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Minnesota, April 18, 2004
Start: 2004-04-18T14:24
End: 2004-04-18T19:24
Location: Minnesota

April 18, 2004 · NWS MPX · 98 events in 29 counties and zones

48 thunderstorm wind, 45 hail, 3 tornado, 2 funnel cloud, as filed by the National Weather Service.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 98

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Apr 18, 10:24 AM CST, 4 hours earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 18, 10:24 AM CST, 4 hours before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1123  AM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

.DISCUSSION...
IT APPEARS OUR COUNTY WARNING AREA WILL REMAIN RELATIVE QUIET
THROUGH THE EARLY AFTERNOON. THE LATEST RUC MODEL SUGGESTS A GOOD
CHANCE OF SEVERE WEATHER DEVELOPING ACROSS WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA
BETWEEN 4 PM AND 7 PM...PROBABLY A SQUALL LINE THAT WILL MOVE
RAPIDLY EAST. AN INITIAL LOOK AT THE FORECAST SURFACE PARAMETERS
SHOWED A LACK OF A CLOSED CIRCULATION WITH THE ANTICIPATED SOUTH
DAKOTA SURFACE LOW PRESSURE CENTER AND RELATIVELY WEAK SURFACE
PRESSURE FALL PATTERN HINTING AT A GREATER POTENTIAL FOR HAIL AND
WINDS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE RUC MODEL SUGGESTS THAT
TORNADOES SHOULD NOT BE RULED OUT HOWEVER. LOW LEVEL...925 MB
CONVERGENCE AND CORRELATED UPPER LEVEL...300 TO 200 MB DIVERGENCE
ARE FORECAST TO MAX OUT BY 7 PM FROM ST CLOUD TO REDWOOD FALLS. IN
THIS SAME AREA AND TIME FRAME...TORNADO FORECAST SIGNATURES ALSO ARE
FORECAST BY THE RUC MODEL TO REACH A HIGH RISK. THE 0-6 KM BULK
SHEAR IS ABOUT 60 KNOTS....THE CIN IS AROUND MINUS 20 JOULES PER
KG...THE LCLS ARE FORECAST TO LOWER BELOW 3000 FEET AGL...AND THE
VGP IS FORECAST TO APPROACH 40. THESE INGREDIENTS MAY COME TOGETHER
ALL AT ONCE ALONG THE NORTHWEST EDGE OF THE CAP IN THE WESTERN
PORTIONS OF OUR COUNTY WARNING AREA AFTER 4 PM.

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...RED FLAG WARNING...THIS AFTERNOON FOR
MNZ064>067-073>075-082-083-091-092-
MN...WIND ADVISORY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...MAINLY SOUTH OF A
LINE FROM BENSON...LITCHFIELD...TWIN CITIES AND OWATONNA.
WI...NONE.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 18, 11:00 AM CST, 3 hours 24 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1200 PM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

MNZ051>053-057>063-066-068>070-076>078-084-085-WIZ014>016-023>028-
191100-
ANOKA-BARRON-CARVER-CHIPPEWA-CHISAGO-DAKOTA-DUNN-EAU CLAIRE-GOODHUE-
HENNEPIN-ISANTI-KANDIYOHI-LE SUEUR-MCLEOD-MEEKER-PEPIN-PIERCE-POLK-
RAMSEY-RICE-RUSK-SCOTT-SHERBURNE-ST CROIX-STEELE-WASECA-WASHINGTON-
WRIGHT-
1200 PM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL
WISCONSIN AND EAST CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS INDICATED A MODERATE RISK OF
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY TONIGHT FOR
PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA AND MUCH OF WEST
CENTRAL WISCONSIN.  A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM CENTERED OVER
NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA LATE THIS MORNING...WILL MOVE TO JUST WEST
OF THE TWIN CITIES BY END OF THE AFTERNOON. ALONG AND IN ADVANCE
OF THIS LOW...THE AIRMASS WILL CONTINUE TO DESTABILIZE SETTING THE
STAGE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS
LIKELY TO INCLUDE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS WITH THE
POSSIBILITY OF STRONG TORNADOES.

WIND ADVISORY IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF EAST CENTRAL
MINNESOTA FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.  SOUTH WINDS WILL INCREASE
TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUST REACHING NEAR 45 MPH AT TIMES.  WINDS
WILL GRADUALLY SHIFT TO NORTHWEST AND SUBSIDE UNDER 20 MPH TONIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL BE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON AND
TONIGHT.

MNZ047-191100-
STEVENS-
1200 PM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTION OF WEST
CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS INDICATED A SLIGHT RISK OF
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY TONIGHT FOR
PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN.  A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM CENTERED
OVER NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA LATE THIS MORNING...WILL MOVE TO JUST
WEST OF THE TWIN CITIES BY END OF THE AFTERNOON. ALONG AND IN ADVANCE
OF THIS LOW...THE AIRMASS WILL CONTINUE TO DESTABILIZE SETTING THE
STAGE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS
LIKELY TO INCLUDE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WIDTHS WITH THE
POSSIBILITY OF STRONG TORNADOES.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAYBE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING.

MNZ041>045-048>050-191100-
BENTON-DOUGLAS-KANABEC-MILLE LACS-MORRISON-POPE-STEARNS-TODD-
1200 PM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTION OF CENTRAL AND WEST
CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS INDICATED A MODERATE RISK OF
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY TONIGHT FOR
PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA AND MUCH OF WEST
CENTRAL WISCONSIN.  A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM CENTERED OVER
NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA LATE THIS MORNING...WILL MOVE TO JUST WEST
OF THE TWIN CITIES BY END OF THE AFTERNOON. ALONG AND IN ADVANCE
OF THIS LOW...THE AIRMASS WILL CONTINUE TO DESTABILIZE SETTING THE
STAGE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS
LIKELY TO INCLUDE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WIDTHS WITH THE
POSSIBILITY OF STRONG TORNADOES.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAYBE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING.

MNZ054>056-064-065-067-073>075-082-083-091-092-191100-
BLUE EARTH-BROWN-CHIPPEWA-FARIBAULT-LAC QUI PARLE-MARTIN-NICOLLET-
REDWOOD-RENVILLE-SIBLEY-SWIFT-WATONWAN-YELLOW MEDICINE-
1200 PM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTH
CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS INDICATED A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS TODAY. A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM FORECAST TO MOVE INTO
WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA THIS EVENING...WILL HELP TRIGGER SOME STRONG
TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY THIS EVENING.  A
FEW OF THE STRONGEST STORMS COULD PRODUCE LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING
WINDS AND POSSIBLY A TORNADO.

IN ADDITION...A RED FLAG WARNING IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR STRONG
SOUTHERLY WINDS...VERY WARM TEMPERATURES AND LOW HUMIDITY.  THESE
CONDITION WILL CAUSE EXPLOSIVE WILDFIRE CONDITIONS BY LATE
AFTERNOON OR EARLY THIS EVENING.

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING FOR
GUSTY WINDS DEVELOPING AROUND 45 MPH.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAYBE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING.

MNZ093-191100-
FREEBORN-
1200 PM CDT SUN APR 18 2004

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR A PORTION OF SOUTH CENTRAL
MINNESOTA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS INDICATED A SLIGHT RISK OF
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY TONIGHT FOR
PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA AND MUCH OF WEST
CENTRAL WISCONSIN.  A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM CENTERED OVER
NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA LATE THIS MORNING...WILL MOVE TO JUST WEST
OF THE TWIN CITIES BY END OF THE AFTERNOON. ALONG AND IN ADVANCE
OF THIS LOW...THE AIRMASS WILL CONTINUE TO DESTABILIZE SETTING THE
STAGE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS
LIKELY TO INCLUDE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WIDTHS WITH THE
POSSIBILITY OF STRONG TORNADOES.

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING FOR
GUSTY WINDS DEVELOPING AROUND 45 MPH.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAYBE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING.

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 156 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:24 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

48 thunderstorm wind, 45 hail, 3 tornado, 2 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Stearns

When: April 18, 2:24 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, 3 mi S of Cold Spg
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 43.500, -94.083

Hail, Benton

When: April 18, 2:32 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 10 mi N of Sauk Rapids
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.833, -92.883

Hail, Sherburne

When: April 18, 2:32 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 10 mi N of Becker
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.550, -93.567

Hail, Stearns

When: April 18, 2:44 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, 13 mi SW of St Cloud
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.683, -93.367

Thunderstorm Wind, Stearns

When: April 18, 2:44 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, 13 mi SW of St Cloud
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.317, -93.933

Small trees were downed and the roof of a house was damaged.

Hail, Stearns

When: April 18, 2:45 PM CST to 2:47 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, 5 mi S of Richmond
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.150, -93.717

Penny sized hail fell just east of Eden Valley.

Hail, Stearns

When: April 18, 2:50 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, 2 mi W of Luxemburg
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 43.767, -94.167

Hail, Morrison

When: April 18, 2:53 PM CST
Where: Morrison County, 1 mi N of Morrill
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 47.883, -91.883

Hail, Mille Lacs

When: April 18, 2:58 PM CST
Where: Mille Lacs County, 2 mi W of Princeton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.667, -93.250

Hail, Stearns

When: April 18, 2:58 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, 5 mi N of Kimball
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.400, -94.433

Funnel Cloud, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, 2 mi N of Dalbo
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.750, -94.167

The funnel cloud may have touched down, but was unable to confirm an actual touchdown.

Hail, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, Dalbo
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.567, -93.900

Hail, Sherburne

When: April 18, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 4 mi NE of Clear Lake
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.433, -94.350

The hail covered the ground.

Hail, Stearns

When: April 18, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Stearns County, Sartell
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.433, -94.350

Hail, Benton

When: April 18, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 8 mi NE of Sauk Rapids
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.383, -94.533

Hail, Kanabec

When: April 18, 3:05 PM CST
Where: Kanabec County, 2 mi W of Brunswick
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.450, -94.283

Hail, Meeker

When: April 18, 3:05 PM CST
Where: Meeker County, Watkins
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.850, -93.983

Funnel Cloud, Sherburne

When: April 18, 3:10 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 1 mi NE of Becker
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.567, -93.633

Thunderstorm Wind, Sherburne

When: April 18, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, Clear Lake
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.383, -94.300

Hail, Wright

When: April 18, 3:18 PM CST
Where: Wright County, Annandale
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 45.174, -93.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Kanabec

When: April 18, 3:25 PM CST
Where: Kanabec County, Grasston
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.667, -93.417

Hail, Mille Lacs

When: April 18, 3:26 PM CST
Where: Mille Lacs County, Princeton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 45.483, -93.933

Hail, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:36 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, 8 mi W of Cambridge
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.617, -94.200

Thunderstorm Wind, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:36 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, 8 mi W of Cambridge
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.683, -94.050

Small trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:40 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, 2 mi W of Cambridge
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.317, -94.417

Trees and power lines were downed.

Hail, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:42 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, Cambridge
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 45.800, -93.317

Hail, Isanti

When: April 18, 3:50 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, 3 mi S of Braham
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.562, -93.295 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Chisago

When: April 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Chisago County, 2 mi W of Rush City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.450, -94.000

Hail, Wright

When: April 18, 4:10 PM CST
Where: Wright County, 5 mi W of Monticello
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.267, -94.133

Hail, Sherburne

When: April 18, 4:16 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, Becker
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.800, -93.150

Hail, Chisago

When: April 18, 4:17 PM CST
Where: Chisago County, Rush City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.567, -93.600

Hail, Redwood

When: April 18, 4:27 PM CST
Where: Redwood County, Morgan
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 45.583, -93.400

Hail, Isanti

When: April 18, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, 8 mi S of Isanti
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.583, -93.400

Hail, Anoka

When: April 18, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, St Francis
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.583, -93.233

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: April 18, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 1 mi NE of Evan
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 45.583, -93.267

A semi-trailer was blown off County Road 29.

Tornado, Brown

When: April 18, 4:35 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 6 mi N of Evan
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 15 yd
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 45.683, -93.167

A storm spotter reported a small tornado that lasted about one minute.

Hail, Wright

When: April 18, 4:35 PM CST
Where: Wright County, 4 mi S of Howard Lake
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.700, -93.000

Penny sized hail fell just north of Winsted.

Hail, Wright

When: April 18, 4:36 PM CST
Where: Wright County, Cokato
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 45.300, -93.917

Hail, McLeod

When: April 18, 4:38 PM CST to 4:43 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Hutchinson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.417, -93.900

Dime to quarter sized hail fell.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chisago

When: April 18, 4:40 PM CST
Where: Chisago County, 6 mi E of North Branch
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.700, -92.967

Trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 4:40 PM CST to 4:45 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Hutchinson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.417, -94.917

Several trees and power poles were downed. A few sheds and garages were downed.

Hail, McLeod

When: April 18, 4:41 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Stewart
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.383, -93.250

Thunderstorm Wind, Sherburne

When: April 18, 4:50 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, Elk River
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.400, -93.367

Trees and power lines were downed on the east side of town.

Hail, Sherburne

When: April 18, 4:53 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, Big Lake
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.367, -94.817

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 4:55 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Stewart
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.433, -94.833

Corn bins were blown over.

Tornado, Redwood

When: April 18, 5:03 PM CST to 5:06 PM CST
Where: Redwood County, 1 mi E of Revere
Rating: F0
Path length: 1.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 44.800, -93.550

A tornado was recorded on video by law enforcement as it crossed Highway 14 east of Revere. The tornado downed trees on either side of the road. The remainder of the tornado's path included open fields where little if any damage occurred.

Hail, Anoka

When: April 18, 5:10 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, East Bethel
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.017, -94.083

Hail, Wright

When: April 18, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Wright County, Hanover
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 45.083, -94.200

Hail, Isanti

When: April 18, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Isanti County, Braham
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.883, -94.367

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: April 18, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Carver County, Waconia
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS EMPLOYEE(OFF DUTY)
Coordinates: 45.517, -92.867

A tree was downed onto a house.

Hail, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:20 PM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Biscay
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.883, -94.367

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: April 18, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 7 mi S of Sleepy Eye
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: STORM CHASER
Coordinates: 44.717, -94.483

A storm spotter reported a wind gust of 71 MPH. A vehicle was nearly blown off a road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: April 18, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 2 mi SW of New Ulm
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 45.300, -93.583

Several trees were downed. The metal roof of a granary was ripped off and blown 100 feet.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:20 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Sherman
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.333, -93.767

The roof of a granary was blown off and a garage door of a home was damaged. A machine shed and a corn bin were destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ramsey

When: April 18, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Ramsey County, Vadnais Hgts
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.717, -94.483

A tree was downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:25 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Silver Lake
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.333, -93.233

Trees were damaged at the intersection of 180th St. and Kale Ave. SW.

Tornado, Redwood

When: April 18, 5:29 PM CST to 5:44 PM CST
Where: Redwood County, 5 mi NE of Lamberton
Rating: F1
Path length: 7 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.417, -94.117

The tornado traveled across mainly rural areas where little if any damage occurred. However, one farm 4 miles north of Sanborn sustained significant damage when the tornado struck a large shop made of clay blocks. The building was destroyed and many of the tools inside the building were damaged. Debris from the building was scattered across nearby fields. A metal corn crib was also damaged on the farm.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:30 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Biscay
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.167, -93.667

A corn crib was destroyed and a barn was blown 6 feet off its stone foundation. Trees were downed in the vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ramsey

When: April 18, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Ramsey County, Maplewood
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.733, -93.167

Power lines were downed near Interstate 694 and Highway 61. The time was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:31 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, 2 mi N of Lester Prairie
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 44.850, -93.783

A 62 MPH wind gust was recorded by a MNDOT weather sensor.

Hail, Hennepin

When: April 18, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, Rogers
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.833, -94.283

Thunderstorm Wind, Renville

When: April 18, 5:40 PM CST
Where: Renville County, Fairfax
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.200, -94.733

A few trees were downed.

Hail, Anoka

When: April 18, 5:43 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, Ramsey
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.300, -94.500

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:45 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Winsted
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.950, -94.133

Three sheds, a barn, and several trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:45 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, 3 mi SE of Glencoe
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.050, -93.083

A shed was downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 5:45 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, 3 mi N of Glencoe
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.900, -94.200

Trees and power lines were downed.

Hail, Carver

When: April 18, 5:46 PM CST
Where: Carver County, Hamburg
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.833, -94.283

Thunderstorm Wind, Watonwan

When: April 18, 5:55 PM CST
Where: Watonwan County, St James
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 45.133, -93.350

A 63 MPH wind gust was recorded by an automated weather sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 6:05 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Sherman
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.917, -94.050

Sheds were damaged and several power lines were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chisago

When: April 18, 6:09 PM CST
Where: Chisago County, 1 mi N of Shafer
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.200, -93.567

Large branches were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 6:10 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, 5 mi SW of Winsted
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.533, -94.717

A carport was blown off a building near the intersection of Route 15 and Highway 7.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: April 18, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, Hopkins
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 45.250, -93.433

A 60 MPH wind gust was reported by a spotter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: April 18, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Brown County, Hanska
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.967, -94.050

Siding was ripped off a church tower. The time was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: April 18, 6:20 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, Lester Prairie
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 44.733, -94.100

Trees were downed. The time was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blue Earth

When: April 18, 6:22 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth County, 5 mi SW of Lake Crystal
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 44.817, -94.150

A 58 MPH wind gust was recorded by a MNDOT weather sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: April 18, 6:23 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, Minneapolis
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.733, -93.950

A tree fell onto a house and collapsed the roof.

Hail, Carver

When: April 18, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Carver County, Cologne
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 43.983, -94.633

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: April 18, 6:37 PM CST
Where: Carver County, Chaska
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.950, -94.133

A 60 MPH wind gust was reported by a spotter.

Hail, Martin

When: April 18, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Martin County, Sherburn
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.400, -92.750

A handful of gutters and cars were dented.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: April 18, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Martin County, 10 mi S of Fairmont
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.917, -94.117

Trees were downed, shingles were torn off a home, and siding was blown off a barn.

Hail, Scott

When: April 18, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Scott County, 2 mi W of Shakopee
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 44.933, -93.400

Hail, Nicollet

When: April 18, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Nicollet County, Norseland
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.150, -94.500

The time was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blue Earth

When: April 18, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth County, 1 mi N of Good Thunder
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.883, -94.050

The roof was partially lifted off a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: April 18, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Martin County, Sherburn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.067, -94.283

A few tree limbs were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blue Earth

When: April 18, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth County, Mankato
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 45.000, -93.283

A shed and a few trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Faribault

When: April 18, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Faribault County, Elmore
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.017, -94.067

A tree and other large branches were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: April 18, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Washington County, Cottage Grove
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates: 43.650, -94.733

Trees and power lines were downed. A silo was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Le Sueur

When: April 18, 6:48 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur County, New Prague
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 44.167, -94.017

A wind gust of 66 MPH was recorded by a MNDOT weather sensor. Trees and power lines were downed nearby.

Thunderstorm Wind, Scott

When: April 18, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Scott County, 3 mi SE of Prior Lake
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: BROADCAST MEDIA
Coordinates: 44.633, -93.150

Two towers were downed and two were damaged at a radio station. Several outbuildings were damaged nearby. Numerous trees were also downed in the vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind, Le Sueur

When: April 18, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur County, 2 mi NE of Kasota
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.483, -93.317

The roof was partially blown off a tavern.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dakota

When: April 18, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, Lakeville
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates: 44.283, -95.200

Two barns lost their roofs, a silo was pushed over, several outbuildings were damaged, and trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Waseca

When: April 18, 7:07 PM CST
Where: Waseca County, 2 mi N of Janesville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 43.500, -93.717

A 60 MPH wind gust was reported by emergency management near Lake Elysian.

Hail, Faribault

When: April 18, 7:10 PM CST
Where: Faribault County, Winnebago
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.500, -93.850

Thunderstorm Wind, Dakota

When: April 18, 7:10 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, Apple Vly
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 44.217, -95.367

Shingle and siding damage was reported. The time was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dakota

When: April 18, 7:12 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, Farmington
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 44.767, -93.783

A wind gust of 66 MPH was recorded by a spotter. A large deck was blown off a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rice

When: April 18, 7:14 PM CST
Where: Rice County, Little Chicago
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC
Coordinates: 44.783, -93.600

A 58 MPH wind gust was measured by a MNDOT weather sensor. A hay barn was downed nearby.

Thunderstorm Wind, Faribault

When: April 18, 7:20 PM CST
Where: Faribault County, 2 mi S of Kiester
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NEWSPAPER
Coordinates: 43.650, -94.733

A barn was heavily damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Le Sueur

When: April 18, 7:24 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur County, 4 mi NE of Le Sueur
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 43.500, -94.467

A machine shed was blown over.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Minnesota in 2004 Every state in 2004 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Minnesota, 2004 Warnings in Minnesota, April 2004

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5391980, 5391981, 5391982, 5391983, 5391984, 5391985, 5391986, 5391987, 5391988, 5391989, 5391990, 5391991, 5391992, 5391993, 5391994, 5391995, 5391996, 5391997, 5391998, 5391999, 5392000, 5392001, 5392002, 5392003, 5392005, 5392004, 5392006, 5392061, 5392062, 5392063, 5392064, 5392065, 5392066, 5392067, 5392068, 5392069, 5392070, 5392071, 5392072, 5392073, and more.