A series of thunderstorms developed within an environment favorable for tornadoes across northeast Minnesota. Storms developed in northern Minnesota and moved east-northeasterly, eventually crossing into Ontario.
Every event with a place to put it. 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 DLH wrote it up.
A series of thunderstorms developed within an environment favorable for tornadoes across northeast Minnesota. Storms developed in northern Minnesota and moved east-northeasterly, eventually crossing into Ontario. Several supercell thunderstorms were observed which produced heavy rainfall, hail, damaging straight-line winds and several tornadoes.
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 Duluth, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 17, 3:16 PM CST, 2 hours 4 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Duluth MN 416 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Thursday) Issued at 416 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 Two rounds of showers and storms today, with a low threat for severe storms and a conditional threat for heavy rain/flash flooding. Hot and humid again on Thursday with a low chance for a few isolated storms. On the synoptic scale a mid/upper level shortwave ridge is over the Upper Midwest and Upper Great Lakes while a weak mid/upper level shortwave moves across central Manitoba with at least a weak reflection of the trough axis south across western Minnesota. There is enhanced area of southwest winds at mid to upper levels with speeds around 50 knots at 500mb and and a 70 to 80 knot jet around 300/200mb over the Northland this evening. At low levels a weak surface low is over central Manitoba with a broad warm frontal zone extending south across western/central Minnesota. To the south, an east-west oriented warm front marks the boundary between the already humid air up north and the very rich gulf moisture enhanced airmass across the Southern and Mid-Mississippi River Valley where precipitable water values approach two inches. Late this morning through the early after a line of showers and storms associated with the north-south oriented warm front will continue eastward into northeast Minnesota, with a general weakening trend as the front rotates a bit to become more northwest-to- southeast oriented and lifts towards northwest Ontario. It will essentially be exiting the area of greatest instability, with easterly flow present across northeast Minnesota and adjacent areas of northwest Ontario aiding in stabilizing the low level air due to influence from Lake Superior. This area of precipitation will also lead to overcast skies for much of the Northland today, which will cause highs not to be as warm as past days, only in the upper 70s in northeast Minnesota to the low 80s in northwest Wisconsin. Late this afternoon and into tonight there is a chance for scattered to widespread storms across east-central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin, but confidence is low in whether or not storms end up forming this far north or if convection across central/southern MN ends up developing and limiting the instability for storms to develop this far north. There are a few possible scenarios for how storms might evolve today (including the possibility that there could be few to no storms), but in general there should be enough instability combined with surface heating behind this morning's storm (based on clouds clearing out on visible satellite) to cause a few diurnally driving storms to develop in west-central Minnesota this afternoon and track east towards central Minnesota (Brainerd Lakes region). There is also a possibility for storms to develop further north and cause another round of storms to impact areas north of the Iron Range into the Minnesota Arrowhead this afternoon/early evening, but this possibility seems low given the low level stability driven by the easterly lake-influenced winds across the Arrowhead today. Still, a few elevated isolated storms are at least possible. As any thunderstorms evolve into the evening hours they will track east-southeast along the instability gradient. With strong mid/upper level winds and at least 1500 to 2000 j/kg MUCAPE will be more than sufficient for a few strong to near severe thunderstorms developing, with the greatest threat for hail/damaging winds occurring with storms in the late afternoon early evening. Storm motions should be fairly progressive, but with along-frontal motion and precipitable water values near two inches, very heavy rainfall rates are likely which could lead lead to at least localized flooding. The flood threat is certainly conditional on storms actually developing, but there do seem to be strong signals from even non-CAMs on the potential for very heavy rain rates, and flash flooding will likely be the primary concern with these storms for east-central MN into northwest Wisconsin. Late tonight storms exit to the south and large-scale subsidence leads to clearing skies. Some fog is possible overnight, with lows in the 60s, except across the MN Arrowhead where lows will fall into the mid 50s. Without a strong cold front to clear out the low level moisture, Thursday will another humid day with dew points in the 60s. South to southwesterly flow develops at low levels bringing a return of well above normal temperatures with highs in the mid to even upper 80s, warmest across northwest Wisconsin. Skies should be mostly sunny, with residual low/mid level moisture causing diurnally driven cu to develop in some areas during the afternoon. There is a chance for isolated showers and storms in the afternoon as well, and while storms will be more of the isolated variety given the convective inhibition (CIN) expected to be present, 1000 to 2000 j/kg SBCAPE and 40 to 50 knots of deep layer shear (mainly in the form of unidirectional speed shear) could lead to a strong to severe storm or two, with a threat for large hail and damaging winds. Given the conditional nature and likely isolated areal coverage of storms, the severe weather risk is just marginal at this time but could certainly be increased based on how storms evolve today/tonight. .LONG TERM...(Thursday night through Wednesday) Issued at 416 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 Much the same story as the past several shifts. Very warm conditions are expected for Friday with highs in the upper 70s along the North Shore to the upper 80s and low 90s from Pine County east into northwest Wisconsin. Heat indices will be in the 90 to 100 degree range in northwest Wisconsin. As mentioned yesterday, there are some concerns regarding the ability to warm the surface with a baroclinic zone south of the forecast area Showers and storms may bubble and burble along the boundary. Clouds and precipitation chances would work to keep the temperatures and heat indices cooler. However, if storms are inhibited or develop late afternoon, these very warm conditions will likely be realized. A more zonal flow pattern develops for Saturday and Sunday. A few scattered thunderstorms are possible Saturday night and Sunday. Temperatures will generally trend cooler with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. A slight bit cooler for Sunday due to cloud cover and showers with highs middle to upper 80s. Northwesterly flow pattern develops for early next week as a high amplitude upper ridge builds over the Rockies. Storms chances return to the picture for Tuesday and Tuesday night. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Thursday afternoon) Issued at 100 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 An initial wave of showers and embedded thunderstorms will move through HIB, INL, DLH early this afternoon. Additional storm development is expected over western and central Minnesota this afternoon with storms moving over the terminals late afternoon through this evening. Gusty winds to 35 knots may accompany the storms. Areas of fog are likely after the rain departs, but depends on how quickly skies clear. Continued the gradual approach for now. Skies clear and fog lifts for Thursday morning. && .MARINE... Issued at 416 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 Northeast winds will continue into this evening and will be strongest in the southwest arm of Lake Superior where sustained winds of 15 to 20 knots are expected with gusts a few knots higher yet again. Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect. Thunderstorms are possible late this evening and overnight, which may create wind gusts of 35 to 45 knots. Winds veer southwesterly for Thursday with sustained winds of 5 to 15 knots. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... DLH 62 84 65 85 / 80 10 10 30 INL 62 83 60 80 / 60 30 30 10 BRD 67 86 68 85 / 80 10 20 20 HYR 68 86 66 90 / 90 30 20 30 ASX 64 87 66 89 / 90 30 10 30 && .DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WI...Beach Hazards Statement until 9 PM CDT this evening for WIZ001. MN...Beach Hazards Statement until 9 PM CDT this evening for MNZ037. LS...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM CDT this evening for LSZ143>146. && SHORT TERM...JJM LONG TERM...Huyck AVIATION...Huyck MARINE...JJM
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Duluth MN 418 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 MNZ037-WIZ001-182130- Carlton/South St. Louis-Douglas- 418 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight Strong northeast winds will increase the threat of rip currents today through this evening for areas near the Twin Ports, including the beaches of Duluth and Superior. A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for these areas. There is a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms across northeast Minnesota and across northwest Wisconsin late this afternoon into this evening. If storms develop, some will be capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. A tornado cannot be ruled out either, especially across north-central Minnesota. Storms will also produce heavy rainfall rates, especially as they move across east- central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin tonight, which may lead to flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Several rounds of thunderstorms are possible Friday through Monday. Warm and humid conditions will continue Friday with heat indices in the 90 to 100 degree range. Thunderstorm chances, both in the Northland and in areas to our southwest and south, may limit the heating Friday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Skywarn spotters may be needed today and tonight. MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>036-038-WIZ002>004-006>009-182130- 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-Pine-Bayfield-Ashland-Iron- Burnett-Washburn-Sawyer-Price- 418 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight There is a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms across northeast Minnesota and across northwest Wisconsin late this afternoon into this evening. If storms develop, some will be capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. A tornado cannot be ruled out either, especially across north-central Minnesota. Storms will also produce heavy rainfall rates, especially as they move across east-central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin tonight, which may lead to flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Several rounds of thunderstorms are possible Friday through Monday. Warm and humid conditions will continue Friday with heat indices in the 90 to 100 degree range. Thunderstorm chances, both in the Northland and in areas to our southwest and south, may limit the heating Friday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Skywarn spotters may be needed today and tonight. LSZ121-140>148-182130- 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- 418 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Nearshore waters of western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight Small Craft Advisory continues into this evening. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible late this evening and overnight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Several additional rounds of thunderstorms are possible Friday through Sunday evening. JJM/Huyck More information may be obtained at the following web address: http://www.weather.gov/duluth (all lower case)
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Duluth MN 503 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 MNZ010-018-172215- Koochiching-North Itasca- 503 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN ITASCA AND SOUTHWESTERN KOOCHICHING COUNTIES... At 503 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Alvwood, or 32 miles northeast of Bemidji, moving northeast at 30 mph. Wind gusts up to 35 mph, half inch hail, heavy downpours, and occasional cloud to ground lightning can be expected with this storm. Locations impacted include... Northome, Mizpah, Alvwood, Gemmell, Orth, Rosy, and Decker Lake. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and away from windows until this storm passes. Get off area lakes and seek shelter on shore in a sturdy shelter or a hard topped vehicle. This storm may intensify, please monitor local media outlets for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. LAT...LON 4783 9442 4803 9403 4776 9388 4763 9441 TIME...MOT...LOC 2202Z 236DEG 26KT 4776 9432 Miller
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
518 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019
MNZ010-018-172230-
Koochiching-North Itasca-
518 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN ITASCA AND SOUTHERN
KOOCHICHING COUNTIES...
At 518 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Alvwood, or 33
miles northeast of Bemidji, moving northeast at 20 mph.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph, dime size hail, heavy downpours, and
frequent cloud to ground lightning can be expected with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Northome, Alvwood, Orth, and Highway 46 between Squaw Lake and
Northome.
Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and away from windows until
this storm passes. Get off area lakes and seek shelter on shore in a
sturdy shelter or a hard topped vehicle.
This storm may intensify, please monitor local media outlets for
additional information and possible warnings from the National
Weather Service.
LAT...LON 4766 9432 4770 9439 4780 9441 4793 9411
4775 9393
TIME...MOT...LOC 2217Z 241DEG 18KT 4775 9427
MillerPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DULUTH MN
611 PM CDT WED JUL 17 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0600 PM TORNADO 3 N WIRT 47.77N 93.95W
07/17/2019 ITASCA MN LAW ENFORCEMENT
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED A FUNNEL CLOUD THAT
TOUCHED DOWN BRIEFLY ON COUNTY ROAD 14 NEAR
COUNTY ROAD 31 HEADING EAST TOWARDS BIGFORK.
LOCATION ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
&&The Duluth radar (KDLH), 243 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:19 UTC.
5 thunderstorm wind, 3 tornado, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
The gust was recorded by the MnDOT Road Weather Station MN026 at Birchdale MN-11 Mile Post 157.
Trees were down along Highway 65 near Littlefork with some of the trees taking down power lines as well.
Bleachers were damaged at the fairgrounds and a tree was down on a power line in Littlefork.
Two large wooden outhouses were blown over by the winds at the North Star Rodeo grounds north of Effie. One of the outhouses was completely destroyed while the other remained intact.
Five pine and aspen trees about 2 feet in diameter were knocked down due to straight line winds.
A damage survey of a tornado within Voyageurs National Park has |been completed and confirmed a tornado from approximately Locator |Lake, approximately 6.4 miles north of Kabetogama, to Marion Bay |on Rainy Lake, approximately 9.2 miles north-northeast of |Kabetogama. The tornado likely extended farther northeast across |Rainy Lake and possibly into Canada, so the length of this tornado|should be considered an estimate. The end point location is |estimated from video of the tornado moving over Rainy Lake. This |survey was completed using photos and videos from Voyageurs |National Park, the public, and business owners in the region. Very|special thanks to Voyageurs National Park for sharing aerial |images of the damage path which was critical to assessing the |path, width, and severity of this tornado.
The supercell which produced the Gheen Hill tornado began north |of Togo in far southeast Koochiching County. It traveled toward |the east-northeast and gradually organized. Sporadic straight-line|wind damage was observed a few miles northwest of Gheen and west |of US Highway 53. The tornado developed 1 mile west of US-53 and |tracked toward the east-northeast. We received several photographs|from a spotter who observed the tornado north of Gheen Hill |before it crossed US-53. The tornado crossed Rice Lake and |strengthened to low-end EF-1 intensity shortly after. The tornado |continued east-northeastward across the easternmost portion of |Johnson Road. It weakened and dissipated just to the east of an |ATV trail northwest of Gheen. Aside from the few spotter photos of|this tornado, high-resolution satellite imagery was critical to |assessing the location, path, width, and peak intensity of this |tornado. We are very grateful to the spotter who provided the only|known photos of this tornado. Additional help in identifying this|tornado's path was provided by a private sector meteorologist from Grand|Rapids, MN. This supercell thunderstorm would go on to produce |the Carlson Lake tornado.
The supercell which produced the Gheen Hill tornado continued to |move toward the east-northeast and a second mesocyclone developed |a short time after the Gheen Hill tornado dissipated. The Carlson |Lake tornado developed approximately 500 yards west of the Elbow |River and six-tenths of a mile north of the western end of Ban |Lake. The tornado tracked toward the northeast producing sporadic |EF-0 damage to trees. The tornado turned due east approximately |one mile west of Carlson Lake and intensified. The tornado produced|a swath of EF-1 damage, which was a maximum of 300 yards wide and|passed over Carlson Lake. Tree damage corresponding to high-end |EF-1 wind speeds was noted over much of this area. The tornado |turned toward the northeast after crossing Carlson Lake and |crossed over Elbow Lake Forest Road before gradually weakening. |The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing Shuster Road. We are|very grateful for the help identifying this tornado's path |provided by a private meteorologist in Grand Rapids, MN. High-|resolution satellite imagery was critical to assessing the |location, path, width, and peak intensity of this tornado.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Minnesota in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Minnesota, 2019Warnings in Minnesota, July 2019
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: 852836, 852832, 852833, 853431, 853906, 852834, 853438, 853439, 853440.