Tornadoes and Hail in Minnesota, May 11, 2022

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Minnesota, May 11, 2022
Start: 2022-05-11T12:30
End: 2022-05-11T20:30
Location: Minnesota

May 11, 2022 · NWS MPX · 70 events in 25 counties and zones

A cluster of storms produced large hail stones west of Granite Falls, near Olivia, and northeast toward the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. Most of these storms were elevated but had a steep lapse rate to generate large hail, up to 2 inches in diameter at times.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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: $854,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 70

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 happened

The episode as NWS MPX wrote it up.

These late morning, and early afternoon storms moved northeast out of Minnesota. A warm front lifted northward across southern Minnesota during the afternoon with a potent shortwave moving northeast out of Nebraska. This shortwave generated a large complex of storms and quickly moved northeast across southern Minnesota and produced numerous damaging wind gusts, tornadoes and hail. There were even some flooding concerns as three to five inches of rain fell across portions of west central and central Minnesota by the late evening as the storms diminished and moved off to the northeast.

Three tornadoes occurred within the large bow echo that surged from southwest Minnesota, northeast toward east central Minnesota. One occurred in Brown County, another in Sibley and Carver County, and a third in Anoka County. All of the tornadoes were rated EF0 and produced mainly tree and roof damage.

According to Xcel Energy, more than 75,000 customers were without power across southern Minnesota during the peak of the storm.

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 May 11, 5:31 AM CST, 6 hours 59 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 11, 5:31 AM CST, 6 hours 59 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
631 AM CDT Wed May 11 2022

.DISCUSSION...(Today through Tuesday)
Issued at 236 AM CDT Wed May 11 2022

* KEY MESSAGES:

- Conditions favor severe storms/supercells with large hail and
  possible tornadoes this afternoon. Tornado threat maximized near a
  warm front.

- Heavy rain/flash flooding is an increasing threat tonight especially
  if storms end up tracking over the same locations.

- More severe storms expected Thursday, highest threat across western
  Minnesota.

An active two days are in store with an unseasonably warm and humid
airmass over the Central/Northern Plains setting the stage for
several rounds of strong storms as a large trough approaches from the
west. Currently a well-defined surface warm front stretches west-
to-east near I-80 in Iowa with the 850-hPa boundary further north
over southern Minnesota. This elevated boundary is already sparking a
few showers/weak storms near I-90 which is a signal of things to
come later today as the front quickly lifts northward. Currently a
lack of defined upper-level ascent and very dry air above 850 hPa
are keeping these cells limited in coverage and strength, and this
should continue to be the case through early/mid afternoon as upper-
level heights rise and the warm front surges north into central MN.

By late this afternoon storms are expected to rapidly grow across
southwest Minnesota as an upper wave approaches from the west and
feeds an increasing low-level jet toward the northward-advancing warm
front. A surge of warm and humid air from the south will bring
temperatures in the mid/upper 80s into southern MN with dewpoints
rapidly rising into the lower 70s. The resulting strong instability
combined with deep-layer shear of 50-60 kts will be more than
favorable for strong supercells capable of very large hail,
especially those that can develop near and just south of the warm
front where storm-relative helicity will be maximized. This helicity
could also favor tornadoes near the warm front, although this threat
is much more conditional on LCL heights and potential for strong/cold
downdrafts to lessen a prolonged tornado threat...as well as storm
motion which may cause storms to cross north of the warm front and
become more elevated in nature. These factors will need to be
watched closely this afternoon to see if and where a more localized
enhanced tornado threat can develop if these factors can become
overcome.

Storms should increase in coverage this evening as they push into
central/eastern Minnesota and eventually western Wisconsin. Large
hail, wind and isolated tornadoes will remain a threat through this
time, however the main focus through this period will be an
increasing threat for very heavy rain and flash flooding. This will
especially become true toward sunset as storm motion vectors veer to
become more parallel to the warm front, and an increasing LLJ feeds
copious moisture into the boundary. Widespread 1" to 2" rainfall
amounts seem probable from southern MN into areas near/just north of
the Twin Cities and into northwest Wisconsin. If storms end up
training repeatedly over a few locations then isolated amounts of 3"
or 4" would not be out of the question.

Once storms clear out late tonight, attention will turn to
unseasonable heat and humidity on Thursday followed by another round
of strong to severe storms. With 850 hPa temperatures rising to as
high as 22C, full mixing would favor surface temperatures as high as
the lower 90s. Combined with dewpoints in the upper 60s/near 70 this
would push heat index values in the lower or even mid 90s. This could
approach heat advisory criteria especially for the Twin Cities, but
will need to watch a couple of factors before pulling the trigger on
this, namely 1) potential for cloud cover to cut back on full heating
and 2) lower dewpoints mixing down and keeping heat index values
limited.

Regardless of how high Thursday's temperatures get, the airmass will
once again be very unstable setting the stage for another round of
strong to severe storms Thursday afternoon and evening as the main
upper trough to the west pushes through. Shear profiles will once
again favor supercells with large hail and a few tornadoes,
especially early in the event over western MN and also closer to the
warm front over central/northern MN, but given the extent of the
upper forcing a more linear storm mode appears favorable with
damaging winds a higher threat. How widespread these winds can become
will depend on shear/cold pool interactions which will need to wait
until closer to the event to be better assessed. Higher moisture
could prevent outflow from surging ahead of the storms too quickly,
which would favor a more long-lived wind event as the storms push
toward the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. Heavy rain will again
be possible, but not as high as Wednesday's threat given a quicker
west-to-east progression of the overall system.

Behind Thursday's strong storm system, a transition to more zonal
upper flow will bring somewhat cooler and much drier air into the
area for Friday and into the weekend. With temperatures in the
lower/mid 70s and dewpoints in the 40s and 50s, we should get to
enjoy quite a nice spring weekend across the area...a seeming rarity
this spring so far.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Thursday morning)
Issued at 624 AM CDT Wed May 11 2022

Strong storms currently south of KMSP should eventually weaken but
may get close to MSP if current trends continue. Otherwise VFR today
with gradually veering winds to SE. Complex of strong storms expected
to develop over southwest and western MN late this afternoon and
spread into MSP area and points north late evening into the early
morning. Damaging wind gusts possible when these storms come through.

KMSP...
Strong storm to the south should begin weakening as it approaches
MSP, but may hold together long enough to impact the terminal. Will
monitor storm trends and add thunder to TAF shortly if current trends
continue. Otherwise more widespread storms expected near or shortly
after sunset and could be strong/severe with high wind.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
Thu...VFR/MVFR, chc SHRA/TSRA. Wind S 10-15G25 kts.
Fri...Mainly VFR. Wind SW 10 kts.
Sat...VFR, chc pm MVFR with -SHRA. Wind WNW 10-15g25kts.

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...None.
WI...None.
&&

DISCUSSION...DPH
AVIATION...DPH

Hazardous weather outlook, May 11, 11:52 AM CST, 38 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1252 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028-
121500-
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-
1252 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and
southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Strong to severe storms are expected across much of the area
today and tonight. Very large hail, damaging winds and a few
tornadoes are possible. In addition, very heavy rain and localized
flash flooding are possible, especially near and after sunset.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Another round of widespread strong to severe storms is expected
Thursday afternoon and evening, with large hail and damaging
winds the primary threats. Isolated tornadoes are also possible,
especially across western Minnesota.

Temperatures could reach the lower 90s Thursday afternoon with
heat index values as high as 95 degrees.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN spotter activation will likely be needed later this
afternoon through tonight and again on Thursday.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 11, 10:30 AM CST, 2 hours before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
1130 AM CDT WED MAY 11 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0910 AM     HEAVY RAIN       OWATONNA                44.09N 93.22W
05/11/2022  M1.70 INCH       STEELE             MN   PUBLIC

            STREET FLOODING WAS REPORTED IN TOWN. COOP
            OBSERVER MEASURED 1.70 INCHES OF RAINFALL AS
            OF 8 AM.

&&

MKM

Special weather statement, May 11, 10:45 AM CST, 1 hour 45 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1145 AM CDT Wed May 11 2022

MNZ041-042-111715-
Douglas MN-Todd MN-
1145 AM CDT Wed May 11 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Douglas
and northwestern Todd Counties through 1215 PM CDT...

At 1145 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Carlos, or 9 miles north of Alexandria, moving north at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern
Douglas and northwestern Todd Counties, including the following
locations... Belle River, Miltona and Rose City.

This includes U.S. Highway 71 between mile markers 212 and 218.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4635 9503 4593 9518 4595 9544 4611 9543
      4611 9515 4636 9516
TIME...MOT...LOC 1645Z 187DEG 31KT 4602 9530

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

NDC

Special weather statement, May 11, 11:10 AM CST, 1 hour 20 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1210 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

MNZ049-051-058-059-111800-
Sherburne MN-Stearns MN-Meeker MN-Wright MN-
1210 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Wright,
east central Meeker, western Sherburne and southeastern Stearns
Counties through 100 PM CDT...

At 1210 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Annandale, or 16 miles west of Buffalo, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Annandale around 1220 PM CDT.
  Maple Lake around 1230 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this storm include Clearwater,
Monticello, Clear Lake and Becker.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 94 in Minnesota between mile markers 172 and 197.
 U.S. Highway 10 in Minnesota between mile markers 181 and 204.
 U.S. Highway 12 between mile markers 113 and 119.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4529 9367 4504 9421 4514 9441 4556 9409
      4556 9406
TIME...MOT...LOC 1710Z 225DEG 26KT 4520 9419

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

CTG

Special weather statement, May 11, 11:41 AM CST, 49 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1241 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

MNZ059-060-068-111830-
Hennepin MN-Carver MN-Wright MN-
1241 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Hennepin, southeastern Wright and northwestern Carver Counties
through 130 PM CDT...

At 1240 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Watertown, or 17 miles south of Buffalo, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Watertown and St. Bonifacius around 1245 PM CDT.
  Mound, Minnetrista and Delano around 100 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this storm include Orono, Maple Plain,
Rockford, Medina, Independence, Maple Grove, St. Michael and
Corcoran.

This includes U.S. Highway 12 between mile markers 133 and 140.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4483 9382 4490 9400 4523 9379 4508 9347
TIME...MOT...LOC 1740Z 213DEG 23KT 4492 9386

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

CTG

Special weather statement, May 11, 11:58 AM CST, 32 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1258 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

MNZ073-111830-
Redwood MN-
1258 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Redwood
County through 130 PM CDT...

At 1258 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Wabasso, or 9 miles southwest of Redwood Falls, moving north at 40
mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern
Redwood County, including the following locations... Clements, Wanda
and Seaforth.

This includes U.S. Highway 71 between mile markers 58 and 74.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 4455 9501 4454 9497 4429 9491 4429 9532
      4447 9535
TIME...MOT...LOC 1758Z 201DEG 33KT 4444 9524

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

NDC

Special weather statement, May 11, 12:16 PM CST, 14 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
116 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

MNZ065-073-111845-
Renville MN-Redwood MN-
116 PM CDT Wed May 11 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Redwood and northwestern Renville Counties through 145 PM CDT...

At 116 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Redwood Falls, moving north at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Olivia and Renville.

This includes the following highways...
 U.S. Highway 212 between mile markers 62 and 80.
 U.S. Highway 71 between mile markers 74 and 75, and between mile
markers 89 and 106.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for southwestern
Minnesota.

&&

LAT...LON 4451 9507 4450 9535 4489 9528 4489 9486
TIME...MOT...LOC 1816Z 193DEG 27KT 4455 9520

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

NDC

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 42 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:30 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

40 thunderstorm wind, 23 hail, 4 tornado, 3 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Wright

When: May 11, 12:30 PM CST
Where: Wright County, 0.85 mi SE of Albertville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.220, -93.660

Hail, Renville

When: May 11, 12:50 PM CST
Where: Renville County, 0.98 mi W of Olivia
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 44.780, -95.000

Hail, Sherburne

When: May 11, 2:15 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 1.61 mi ENE of Big Lake
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 45.340, -93.740

Hail, Sherburne

When: May 11, 2:20 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 4.17 mi S of Orrock
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 45.390, -93.740

Hail, Sherburne

When: May 11, 2:25 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 4.01 mi SE of Orrock
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.410, -93.690

Hail, Sherburne

When: May 11, 2:35 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 0.48 mi W of Zimmerman
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 45.450, -93.590

Hail, Mille Lacs

When: May 11, 2:40 PM CST
Where: Mille Lacs County, 5.19 mi NE of Princeton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.620, -93.520

Hail, Sherburne

When: May 11, 2:45 PM CST to 2:58 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 0.83 mi WSW of Zimmerman to 4.59 mi SSE of Princeton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 45.444, -93.595

Thunderstorm Wind, Redwood

When: May 11, 5:05 PM CST
Where: Redwood County, 0.85 mi SW of Sanborn
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.210, -95.140

A shed and power lines were blown down on the west side of Sanborn.

Hail, Renville

When: May 11, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Renville County, 0.49 mi E of Renville
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 44.800, -95.210

Hail, Kandiyohi

When: May 11, 5:40 PM CST
Where: Kandiyohi County, 1.19 mi NE of Atwater
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.140, -94.780

Tornado, Brown

When: May 11, 5:51 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 1.53 mi WSW of Searles to 1.37 mi NW of Searles
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.53 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 44.221, -94.459

The tornado hit several groves of trees and damaged a farm. Portions of roofs from three outbuildings were torn off. Maximum winds were estimated at 80 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Renville

When: May 11, 5:56 PM CST to 6:04 PM CST
Where: Renville County, 5.72 mi SSW of Buffalo Lake to 1.83 mi NNE of Buffalo Lake
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.650, -94.650

A barn, grain bin, and multiple trees were blown down southwest of Buffalo Lake in Renville County. There was also sporadic tree damage from southwest of Buffalo Lake, to the northeast of the city.

Hail, Martin

When: May 11, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Martin County, 0.5 mi E of Trimont
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.770, -94.710

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: May 11, 6:00 PM CST to 6:01 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 0.5 mi E of Hanska
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.150, -94.490

A roof was torn off a farm outbuilding near Hanska.

Funnel Cloud, Martin

When: May 11, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Martin County, 0.5 mi E of Trimont
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.770, -94.710

Hail, Scott

When: May 11, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Scott County, Belle Plaine
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.630, -93.770

Thunderstorm Wind, Watonwan

When: May 11, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Watonwan County, Madelia to 0.95 mi ENE of Madelia
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.050, -94.420

Numerous large branches were blown down, a few structures were damaged, including a building under construction that had its roof blown off. Power poles were also blown down near the same area, east of Madelia.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sibley

When: May 11, 6:20 PM CST
Where: Sibley County, 0.69 mi N of Gaylord
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.560, -94.220

A 10 inch diameter tree was snapped and landed on a power line.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLeod

When: May 11, 6:20 PM CST
Where: McLeod County, 0.85 mi NW of Hutchinson Arpt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.880, -94.390

A large tree was snapped in the town of Hutchinson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: May 11, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Martin County, 2.76 mi N of Ceylon
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 43.570, -94.630

A few trees were blown down north of Ceylon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: May 11, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Martin County, 0.85 mi NE of Northrop
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 43.740, -94.440

A few trees were blown down near Northrop.

Funnel Cloud, Blue Earth

When: May 11, 6:26 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth County, 3.06 mi WNW of Vernon Center
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 43.960, -94.210

Tornado, Sibley

When: May 11, 6:37 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where: Sibley County, 5.76 mi ESE of Green Isle to 6.46 mi E of Green Isle
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.89 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Continued into: Carver, Mn (MPX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 44.639, -93.918

A tornado broke several dozen trees and ripped part of a tin roof off a shed. The tornado traveled into southwestern Carver County, dissipating about one mile northeast of Assumption Lake. Maximum winds were estimated at 75 mph.

Tornado, Carver

When: May 11, 6:40 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 0.56 mi SW of Assumption to 2.06 mi NE of Assumption
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.6 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 44.675, -93.889

The tornado started in northeastern Sibley County before moving into southwestern Carver County, dissipating about one mile northeast of Assumption Lake. While in Carver County, it broke several dozen trees. Maximum winds were estimated at 75 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Le Sueur

When: May 11, 6:40 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur County, 0.9 mi SE of Kasota to 2.56 mi E of Kasota
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.291, -93.956

There was roof damage east of Kasota, on the south side of Lake Emily, along with trees blown down near Kasota.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blue Earth

When: May 11, 6:42 PM CST to 6:46 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth County, (Mkt)mankato Muni Ar
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.220, -93.920

In addition to this severe wind gust at the Mankato airport, a large tree fell onto a house just east of the airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Le Sueur

When: May 11, 6:42 PM CST to 6:52 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur County, Elysian to 1.06 mi N of Waterville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.200, -93.680

Several trees and power lines were blown down in Elysian. Waterville had roof damage to a business and a home had its garage door blown off. The severe winds were related to the initial outflow from the squall line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Le Sueur

When: May 11, 6:42 PM CST to 6:52 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur County, 1.55 mi ENE of Kasota to 1.05 mi ENE of Cleveland
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.310, -93.942

Scattered trees were blown down from just east of St. Peter to the Cleveland area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blue Earth

When: May 11, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth County, 2.76 mi N of Pemberton
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.040, -93.780

The leading edge of the squall line generated severe wind gusts and caused several large trees to be blown down north of Pemberton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: May 11, 6:46 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 1.47 mi SSW of Cologne
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.750, -93.790

There were multiple trees and power lines blown down near Cologne.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: May 11, 6:50 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 0.85 mi NE of East Union
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.730, -93.670

A large tree was blown down near East Union.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: May 11, 6:56 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 2.81 mi N of Chaska
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.820, -93.590

A large pine tree was blown across a road near Chaska.

Hail, Carver

When: May 11, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 2.07 mi N of Chaska
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.810, -93.600

Thunderstorm Wind, Rice

When: May 11, 7:01 PM CST
Where: Rice County, 0.69 mi N of Morristown
Measured: 69 kt (79 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.240, -93.450

A severe wind gust was measured by a local emergency manager. This was with the leading shelf cloud ahead of the main storms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: May 11, 7:03 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 0.85 mi SW of Chanhassen
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.860, -93.540

There were several trees and power lines blown down in Chanhassen.

Thunderstorm Wind, Scott

When: May 11, 7:04 PM CST to 7:06 PM CST
Where: Scott County, 0.62 mi SW of Shakopee to 0.33 mi WSW of Shakopee
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.794, -93.529

A severe wind gust was measured at the local police office. In addition, the cover of an air handler located on the top of the Scott County Government Center blew off the building. A light pole also blew over at the corner of 4th Ave & Atwood Street in Shakopee.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 0.98 mi W of Eden Prairie
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.850, -93.500

Several large tree branches were blocking parts of Dell Road in Eden Prairie.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carver

When: May 11, 7:07 PM CST
Where: Carver County, 2.5 mi NE of Chaska
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.807, -93.567

A severe wind gust was measured by a home anemometer.

Hail, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:10 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 0.49 mi W of Medina
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.020, -93.590

Hail, Scott

When: May 11, 7:10 PM CST
Where: Scott County, 1.69 mi SE of Shakopee
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.780, -93.500

Hail, Scott

When: May 11, 7:10 PM CST
Where: Scott County, 1.38 mi S of Shakopee
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.780, -93.520

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:10 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 0.7 mi SW of Flying Cloud Arpt
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 44.822, -93.459

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 0.85 mi SW of Hopkins
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.920, -93.410

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 0.49 mi E of Robbinsdale
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 45.030, -93.360

Numerous trees were blown down in the city of Crystal.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:14 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 1.69 mi SE of Brooklyn Center to 1.74 mi SE of Brooklyn Center
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.030, -93.330

Several trees were blown down north of Crystal Lake, some were blocking roads.

Hail, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:14 PM CST to 7:18 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, Bloomington to 1.74 mi NE of Bloomington
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.820, -93.320

There were multiple reports of dime to quarter size hail across much of Bloomington.

Hail, Dakota

When: May 11, 7:15 PM CST to 7:17 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, 1.47 mi NNE of Lakeville Airlake Ar to 2.09 mi E of Lakeville
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.650, -93.220

Thunderstorm Wind, Waseca

When: May 11, 7:15 PM CST
Where: Waseca County, Waseca Muni Arpt
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.070, -93.550

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:15 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 4.17 mi S of Minneapolis
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.940, -93.270

A large tree fell on a car in South Minneapolis.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:20 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 0.54 mi N of Msp Intl Arpt
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 44.888, -93.219

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:20 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 1.47 mi SSW of Brooklyn Park
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.100, -93.340

Several large tree branches were blown down in Brooklyn Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hennepin

When: May 11, 7:24 PM CST
Where: Hennepin County, 2.07 mi WNW of Champlin
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 45.210, -93.440

A severe wind gust was reported by the local broadcast media.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sherburne

When: May 11, 7:24 PM CST
Where: Sherburne County, 1.46 mi E of Elk River
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.300, -93.550

Several large tree branches were blown down in an Elk River parking lot.

Hail, Dakota

When: May 11, 7:25 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, 3.13 mi SSW of Eagan
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.760, -93.200

Hail, Dakota

When: May 11, 7:26 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, 4.4 mi NNE of Lakeville
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.730, -93.220

Thunderstorm Wind, Ramsey

When: May 11, 7:27 PM CST
Where: Ramsey County, Roseville
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.020, -93.150

A severe wind gust was measured by a trained spotter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anoka

When: May 11, 7:27 PM CST to 7:35 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, 1.51 mi WSW of Spring Lake Park to 1.33 mi N of Anoka Co Blaine Arpt
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 45.109, -93.257

In addition to the measured 55 knot wind gust at the Anoka airport, the local emergency manager reported numerous downed trees and power lines across the southern portion of Anoka County, south and west of the airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anoka

When: May 11, 7:27 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, 0.98 mi W of Spring Lake Park
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.120, -93.250

A street sign was damaged, and a large tree was blown down in a grocery store parking lot.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ramsey

When: May 11, 7:27 PM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where: Ramsey County, 0.69 mi S of Falcon Hgts to 0.85 mi SSW of Roseville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.990, -93.180

Numerous trees were blown down from Falcon Heights to Roseville. Some of the trees were over 100 years old and several areas had power outages due to the falling debris.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ramsey

When: May 11, 7:27 PM CST
Where: Ramsey County, Falcon Hgts
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.000, -93.180

Thunderstorm Wind, Anoka

When: May 11, 7:27 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, 2.24 mi ESE of Coon Rapids
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.161, -93.276

A large tree crashed into a house. This was over a mile south of a tornado, and was due to thunderstorm wind.

Tornado, Anoka

When: May 11, 7:29 PM CST to 7:32 PM CST
Where: Anoka County, 2.54 mi ENE of Coon Rapids to 0.74 mi S of Ham Lake
Rating: EF0
Path length: 3.16 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.184, -93.272

The tornado touched down in the northeast corner of Coon Rapids, moved across the northwest corner of Blaine, and dissipated in the southwest corner of Ham Lake. It toppled or broke a few hundred trees, many of which fell on houses and sheds. One house near Jefferson Park had a portion of its eave ripped away, thereby allowing wind to enter the attic and damage the roof. Maximum winds were estimated at 80 mph.

Hail, Dakota

When: May 11, 7:29 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, 1.38 mi N of Eagan
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.820, -93.170

Thunderstorm Wind, Dakota

When: May 11, 7:30 PM CST
Where: Dakota County, 1.96 mi W of West St Paul
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.900, -93.090

A large 15 inch diameter tree was blown down in West St. Paul.

Thunderstorm Wind, Steele

When: May 11, 7:33 PM CST
Where: Steele County, 0.59 mi SSW of Owatonna Arpt
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.122, -93.253

Thunderstorm Wind, Waseca

When: May 11, 7:48 PM CST to 7:51 PM CST
Where: Waseca County, 1.14 mi SSE of Otisco to 1.8 mi NE of Otisco
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 43.965, -93.511

A large machine shed was blown apart and other outbuildings had some roof damage. Several dozen trees were also toppled as the downburst moved northeast through the small community of Otisco and then to a farm northeast of Otisco.

Hail, Washington

When: May 11, 7:50 PM CST
Where: Washington County, 1.69 mi NE of Woodbury
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 44.920, -92.930

Funnel Cloud, Faribault

When: May 11, 8:27 PM CST
Where: Faribault County, 5.55 mi N of Walters
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.680, -93.670

Hail, Goodhue

When: May 11, 8:30 PM CST
Where: Goodhue County, 0.49 mi W of Red Wing
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 44.570, -92.540

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.
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.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Minnesota in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Minnesota, 2022 Warnings in Minnesota, May 2022

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: 1020761, 1020762, 1020764, 1020765, 1020770, 1020768, 1020769, 1020771, 1021759, 1020772, 1020774, 1019669, 1021758, 1020785, 1021763, 1021764, 1020775, 1021762, 1021760, 1021790, 1021779, 1021780, 1020759, 1019672, 1019675, 1021782, 1021775, 1021783, 1021784, 1021781, 1021787, 1021786, 1021788, 1020782, 1021765, 1021789, 1021767, 1021794, 1021766, 1020776, and more.