A complex of thunderstorms that developed across the Dakotas late Sunday night, moved into western Minnesota Monday morning. Several thunderstorms continued to redevelop from earlier outflow boundaries.
Every event with a place to put it; 5 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS MPX wrote it up.
A complex of thunderstorms that developed across the Dakotas late Sunday night, moved into western Minnesota Monday morning. Several thunderstorms continued to redevelop from earlier outflow boundaries. These storms moved across eastern Minnesota, and dissipated as much drier air was moving westward into the same area. As the thunderstorms decayed, strong winds developed and produced strong, to locally severe winds for a period of 30 mins to one hour. The strongest winds occurred around Lake Minnetonka where some boats were capsized and damaged occurred on docks and along the shore line. Most of the measured wind gusts were between 45 and 55 mph across Stearns, Benton, Wright and Sherburne Counties. There was even a report of crop damage around Cokota in Wright County.
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 Jun 11, 2:32 PM CST, 43 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 332 PM CDT Mon Jun 11 2018 .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Tuesday) Issued at 315 PM CDT Mon Jun 11 2018 The main concern today has been the heavy rainfall amounts across the forecast area. Have not needed a Flash Flood Warning to this point, but have issued several Special Weather Statements for localized minor flooding and ponding of water. Radar estimates indicate widespread 3-4" of rain has fallen across portions of western and central Minnesota. While rain will continue the remainder of the day, rainfall rates have come down across most of the area. The instability gradient is stretched north to south across eastern MN with the thunderstorms running out of instability as they work east. Earlier, a decaying line of showers began producing 40-50 MPH wind gusts on the back edge with rapid drying occurring there, but do not expect these types of wind speeds for the remainder of the day. This activity is in response to a large trough just to our west as evident by the moisture gradient on water vapor imagery this afternoon. At the surface, a strong cyclone was located well to our northwest in south central Canada, with a cold front draped southward through the eastern Dakotas. A secondary surface low was located over extreme southeast South Dakota with a warm front extending southeast through Iowa. South of this front is a very unstable airmass that will likely produce strong thunderstorms in that region later today. For us, we could see additional thunderstorm development along the initial cold front in the eastern Dakotas, but instability is much lower in our forecast area. Warm and moist soundings with a deep layer of skinny CAPE in our area continue to reflect why we've had impressive rainfall rates and why the line of showers and storms this evening ahead of the cold front pose mostly a heavy rain threat. The chance for severe weather is low. The actual front itself will help keep the line of storms moving tonight, and they should generally weaken as they continue eastward into the overnight hours. Most of the precip will clear the forecast area by daybreak, with the front draped through eastern MN. Clouds will follow through the day as the front continues eastward, leading to a partly cloudy day with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s. .LONG TERM...(Tuesday night through Monday) Issued at 330 PM CDT Mon Jun 11 2018 The extended period will start with a dry and less humid air mass as Canadian high pressure dominates the region. There is a strong and fast moving short wave across the northern tier of the nation late Tuesday night, and early Wednesday. However, no measurable precipitation is expected with this wave, but a few sprinkles may occur due to the strength of the short wave, but deep moisture is lacking and timing of this wave is during the overnight hours. Therefore, kept the forecast mainly dry. By Wednesday evening, high pressure will move southeast of the region and allow for return flow and increasing humidity. As a deep trough begins to develop in the Pacific Northwest, an upper ridge will build across the mid section of the nation. During this transition, models are trying to develop an area of storms late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning for southern Minnesota. However, this is likely dependent on the set up of the low level jet and where the elevated instability spreads across the region. Current pops look reasonable, but I wouldn't be surprised to see likely pops in the far south/southwest MPX forecast area where better dynamics occurs with the return flow and jet energy. The ladder part of this week, and into the weekend still remains questionable in terms of how wet or unsettled we get, or do we remain dry, hot and humid. There is no question that the heat and humidity will return as the upper ridge continues to build across the mid section of the nation and southerly flow commences. There remains model differences on the strength and proximity of the upper ridge across Missouri, and into the Ohio Valley region for this weekend. The EC remains the warmer and drier model over the past few runs for this weekend, and into early next week. This is based on the stronger and more amplified ridge compared to the flatter Fv3 and operational run of the GFS which drives this ridge further to the south. The GEM is the strongest in terms of the amplitude of the upper ridge but still moves this ridge eastward compared to the EC. The GFS ensemble 50H mean is closer to the operational EC, but not as amplified. This ridge will play havoc on if we get more precipitation vs. a hot and humid weekend. I am not totally favoring the EC but it does show more run to run continuity vs. the GFS Fv3 and GEM in terms of the upper ridge holding longer over the weekend. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised to see higher temperatures than currently forecast for Saturday/Sunday with more isolated storms, vs numerous. Slowly this ridge will break down and lead to more unsettled weather. There is another aspect to the upcoming weekend, and into the first part of next week. The current tropical storm "Bud" off the coast of Mexico (See the latest NHC for more information), may have some influence on the weather this weekend, and into early next week. This tropical system will bring an extremely moist air mass northward into the Plains as the ridge builds in the mid section of the nation. Thus, with this tropical connection with a frontal boundary poised to move into the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest over the weekend, rainfall will be very efficient and lead to flooding possibilities. This again is based on the current trends of the models for this weekend. Therefore, confidence remains low for the upcoming weekend, but high for Tuesday and Wednesday. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Tuesday afternoon) Issued at 1253 PM CDT Mon Jun 11 2018 The area of showers and thunderstorms over Western MN is expected to continue progressing eastward during the afternoon. The predominately easterly winds will shift to out of the northwest from from west to east overnight behind a frontal boundary. There is also a good chance for scattered MVFR to IFR conditions Tuesday morning as low status and fog develops overnight. KMSP... The period of wind gusts near 30-35kts is over but winds are expected to remain breezy, still gusting to near 25 kts. There is no longer a ceiling, but that is expected to be short-lived as another area of showers and thunderstorms will reach KMSP this afternoon. Winds will shift to out of the northwest and skies are anticipated to clear overnight, but some low clouds and fog may be possible during Tuesday morning. The remainder of Tuesday will be dry with northwesterly winds. /OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/ Wed...Mainly VFR. Wind W 10 kts. Thu...VFR with MVFR/-TSRA possible early. Wind SE at 10 kts. Fri...VFR. Wind S at 10G20 kts. && .MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WI...None. MN...None. && SHORT TERM...SPD LONG TERM...JLT AVIATION...AMK
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 224 PM CDT Mon Jun 11 2018 MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028- 121930- 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- 224 PM CDT Mon Jun 11 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and southern Minnesota...and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue progressing eastward across Southern and Central MN this afternoon & evening. Storms this afternoon may be capable of producing hail & damaging winds, but most of the severe threat is expected to be contained to Southwestern MN. Heavy rain leading to localized flooding is the more likely hazard, especially along the Minnesota River valley where streams & rivers are already high from prior rainfall. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday The next chance for thunderstorms comes Wednesday night. Then, heat and humidity return this weekend along with thunderstorms with a threat for heavy rain & flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1207 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1124 AM NON-TSTM WND GST ST. CLOUD AP 45.54N 94.05W
06/11/2018 M55 MPH SHERBURNE MN ASOS
ASOS STATION STC, ST. CLOUD AP.
&&
MKMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1209 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
MNZ043>045-050>053-059>063-067>070-076>078-WIZ014-023-024-111815-
Le Sueur-Goodhue-Benton-Mille
Lacs-Morrison-Ramsey-Scott-Kanabec-Chisago-Anoka-Washington-Isanti-
Dakota-Rice-Hennepin-Sherburne-Carver-Sibley-Wright-Polk-Pierce-St.
Croix-
1209 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
...A LINE OF SHOWERS WILL AFFECT HENNEPIN...DAKOTA...EAST CENTRAL
SIBLEY...CHISAGO...SOUTHERN MILLE LACS...NORTHWESTERN GOODHUE...
ANOKA...SHERBURNE...SOUTHEASTERN MORRISON...NORTHWESTERN RICE...
CENTRAL WRIGHT...NORTHEASTERN LE SUEUR...SOUTHERN KANABEC...SCOTT...
ISANTI...EASTERN BENTON...CARVER...WASHINGTON...RAMSEY...WESTERN ST.
CROIX...NORTHWESTERN PIERCE AND WESTERN POLK COUNTIES...
At 1209 PM CDT, radar indicated showers were located along a line
extending from near Pease to near Le Center. Movement was east at 50
mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible with these showers.
Locations impacted include...
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Buffalo, Cambridge, Bloomington, Brooklyn
Park, Plymouth, Eagan, Woodbury, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids and Eden
Prairie.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 35 between mile markers 130 and 163.
Interstate 35 between mile markers 72 and 80.
Interstate 94 in Minnesota between mile markers 184 and 205.
Interstate 94 in Wisconsin near mile marker 1.
U.S. Highway 10 in Minnesota between mile markers 190 and 217.
U.S. Highway 12 between mile markers 131 and 140.
U.S. Highway 169 between mile markers 84 and 199.
U.S. Highway 8 in Minnesota between mile markers 0 and 5, and
between mile markers 7 and 17.
U.S. Highway 61 between mile markers 103 and 164.
LAT...LON 4583 9314 4573 9314 4573 9285 4564 9288
4564 9272 4447 9274 4453 9387 4589 9404
TIME...MOT...LOC 1709Z 270DEG 45KT 4563 9369 4443 9372
SPDPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1229 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1155 AM NON-TSTM WND GST BUFFALO AP 45.16N 93.84W
06/11/2018 M47 MPH WRIGHT MN AWOS
AWOS STATION CFE, BUFFALO AP. TREES WERE
DOWN IN TOWN.
&&
MKMPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1238 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1130 AM HEAVY RAIN COSMOS 1E 44.94N 94.67W
06/11/2018 M3.09 INCH MEEKER MN MESONET
MESONET STATION COSM5, COSMOS 1E. THE
DURATION OF THE HEAVY RAIN EVENT WAS 6
HOURS.
&&
MKMPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1248 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1157 AM NON-TSTM WND GST BUFFALO 45.16N 93.84W
06/11/2018 M50 MPH WRIGHT MN MESONET
HENNEPIN WEST MESONET SITE WR03C, 50TH ST NE
& DALTON AVE NE BUFFALO.
&&
MKMSPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
140 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
MNZ054-056-064-112000-
Chippewa-Yellow Medicine-Lac Qui Parle-
140 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2018
...VERY HEAVY RAIN AND LOCALIZED MINOR FLOODING EXPECTED
THROUGH 4 PM...
VERY HEAVY RAIN WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR LOCALIZED FLOODING WILL AFFECT
THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES...
Chippewa...Yellow Medicine...Lac Qui Parle...
At 136 PM CDT...VERY HEAVY RAIN WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR LOCALIZED
FLOODING WAS moving through eastern Lac Qui parle and Yellow
Medicine county.
LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
Montevideo, Granite Falls, Canby, Madison, Dawson, Clara City,
Clarkfield, Milan, Maynard, Hanley Falls, Watson and Porter.
This includes the following highways...
U.S. Highway 212 between mile markers 9 and 52.
U.S. Highway 75 between mile markers 95 and 110.
U.S. Highway 59 between mile markers 87 and 107.
This includes Prairies Edge Casino Resort.
Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches an hour are possible along with wind
gusts to 45 mph and some small hail in stronger storms.
EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF SMALL
CREEKS AND STREAMS...AS WELL AS FARM AND COUNTRY ROADS. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS. FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES.
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE
ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS
SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.
LAT...LON 4517 9610 4515 9592 4514 9526 4489 9541
4489 9548 4478 9548 4463 9557 4463 9645
4469 9646
TIME...MOT...LOC 1836Z 180DEG 0KT 4496 9584
DWEThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
3 strong wind, 2 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The local emergency manager reported several trees blown down in Sauk Rapids. In addition, there was a meaured wind gust of 45 mph at the Paynesville airport.
There were several reports of minor damage to trees and crops near Cokato. A measured wind gust of 50 mph occurred at the Buffalo airport.
Several reports of high winds, up to 50 to 55 mph, occurred in Benton County. A few trees were blown down from decaying thunderstorms that moved across the area. There was a measured wind gust of 52 mph near Rice.
The St. Cloud Regional airport measured a wind gust of 60 mph.
There were numerous reports of downed trees and power lines across Hennepin County. The most concentrated area was around Lake Minnetonka where boats were capsized, docks were damaged, and large trees were blown down.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Minnesota in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Minnesota, June 2018
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: 750173, 750172, 750171, 750170, 750174.