Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Minnesota, May 12, 2022

Name: Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Minnesota, May 12, 2022
Start: 2022-05-12T17:32
End: 2022-05-12T18:10
Location: Minnesota

May 12, 2022 · NWS ABR · 11 events in 2 counties and zones

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: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 11

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 ABR wrote it up.

A derecho developed in south central South Dakota and traveled northeast into western Minnesota. This thunderstorm complex generated 2 confirmed tornadoes across Big Stone and Traverse Counties, and produced a broad area of widespread and destructive straight-line winds in excess of 80 mph. Trees, buildings, power lines, grain bins, semi trucks, and other property was damaged or destroyed across west central Minnesota, and power outages lasted for multiple days in some cases.

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 Aberdeen, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 12, 5:30 PM CST, 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 12, 5:30 PM CST, 2 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Aberdeen SD
630 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

.UPDATE...
Issued at 547 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

Storms continue to track along a line from around Ipswitch through
Redfield and southeast. Updated timing for highest chances of
storms earlier. Otherwise, the current forecast looks on track and
will continue to be updated. A new Tornado Watch has been issued
for our MN counties.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This Evening through Friday Night)
Issued at 152 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

Main focus is on the convective potential this afternoon and first
half of the evening.

A 999mb surface low is currently located over south central SD
(western Lyman County) and a warm front stretches northeast into
central Hyde/Hand counties and then eastward along a old outflow
boundary from morning convection eastward across northern Beadle
County and to just south of Brookings. North of the warm front,
skies are mostly cloudy and temperatures are in the mid 60s, but
south of the warm front, temperatures are in the lower 80s with
dewpoints in the upper 60s and lower 70s. As the upper trough in WY
and shortwave in sw NE lift to the northeast this afternoon, expect
both the low and warm front to move north. While things are pretty
stable north of the warm front and old outflow boundary, already
seeing a CU filed stretching from Hyde/Hand counties and south
towards Chamberlain. That area almost seems to be showing a greater
area of convergence and potential hints of reduced CIN on the latest
SPC MesoA data. So may need to watch that area a little more closely
over the next couple hours. Otherwise, expect things to develop
around the Lyman county area around 21Z, close to the surface low
and in the area of clear skies, which is supported pretty well in
the CAM and WoFS output. With ample instability (MLCAPE of 3-3.5k
J/kg at 18Z) and effective shear of 50kts, expect them to quickly
become severe with significant hail (steep mid level LRs and SHIP
values already rising into the 3-4 range), damaging winds and
potentially a few tornadoes. Will need to closely monitor the low
level fields for tornado potential in this initial storms, as latest
trends do show some favorable low level curvature in the hodographs,
especially the closer you get to the warm front. So as any discrete
storms that initial develop push north fairly quickly towards the
front, there will be an increased tornado threat. Right now, that
threat is initially greatest from northern Lyman north to US 83 and
eastward to US 281. With additional development possible eastward
along the warm front, could see the northern storms evolve into more
of a cluster of storms and increasing the wind threat and still a
threat for tornadoes into northeastern SD.  Farther south, expect
additional storms to develop southward along the cold front into
Nebraska. The expectation is for these storms to become linear with
time and move northeastward across southeastern SD. That QLCS will
likely push into the southeastern part of our CWA during the late
afternoon and early evening. Damaging winds, potentially
significant, will be the main threat, but with 0-3km bulk shear
values of 35-40kts to the northeast, will need to monitor for
potential QLCS mesovortexes too. Finally, there remains some concern
for flooding, but with the overall faster movement of the storms,
think the threats will be limited to areas that have already
received ample rain over the last couple of weeks.

With the tight pressure gradient behind the intensifying low (down
to around 990mb by 12Z as it reaches ND/Sask/Manitoba border area),
we'll see some potentially gusty west-southwest winds across much of
the area tonight. Some uncertainty on how deep we'll mix with the
bulk of the strong winds aloft occurring during the overnight hours
(900mb winds to 40kts and 850mb winds to 50-55kts) and limited low
level cold air advection to help steepen the low level lapse rates.
The best opportunity for mixing into the stronger winds aloft
appears to be over north central SD, which has shown some
consistency over the last few model runs. This is tied to a pocket
of colder 925-850mb temperatures helping to increase low level lapse
rates in that area. With the expectations of seeing at least some
advisory level gusts, will issue a wind advisory for parts of north
central SD for tonight into Friday morning. The pressure gradient
will diminish during the late morning into the afternoon on Friday,
as we see the low weaken and lift northeast, and a weak high
pressure ridge from a high in srn MN and IA moves over the eastern
area.

Tomorrow afternoon, wrap around moisture from the surface low in
Canada and a weak shortwave, may lead to some diurnally aided
showers and maybe a few rumbles of thunder tomorrow afternoon.
Instability is pretty limited (a couple hundred J/kg of MUCAPE)
though, so think thunder potential is low overall. Largely kept the
slight chance for showers over central SD, but could see them sneak
a little farther east in the evening before dissipating.

.LONG TERM...(Saturday through Thursday)
Issued at 152 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

Upper ridge pattern is dominant this period. Weather is expected to
be relatively quiet this weekend. Starting Tuesday, a shortwave
trough will pass through with some precip possible Tuesday night
into Wednesday. Thursday's upper level pattern is more uncertain
with a ridge or a trough possible based on clusters. On to the
specifics!

Saturday upper level pattern looks to transition from a ridge to
more zonal flow as the low over Canada moves across to the north.
Shortwave energy reaches down into the area from this low, since the
region remains relatively dry this energy will most likely go
unused. Clusters for Sunday show the upper level trough and
associated low over Canada moving to the east. An upper level ridge
is moving into the region. Monday the general trend for the clusters
has been an upper level ridge still moving east towards the area.

Tuesday starts to get a little more active. The overall upper level
pattern will be a ridge but pockets of energy move into the area as
an embedded shortwave trough with a surface low make their way
across the region. As this shortwave moves through, moisture
increases. Abundant WAA in the region as a result of southerly mid
level winds will increase the probability of precipitation Tuesday
night into Wednesday. The best WAA in lower levels looks to be
around 06Z Wednesday just ahead of that surface low which passes to
the south. Totals most likely less than 0.1 inches.

For Thursday, uncertain on upper level pattern, could be an upper
level ridge, an upper level trough, or more zonal flow. GFS and
Canadian look to be leaning towards an upper trough.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Friday Evening)
Issued at 627 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

Terminals KABR,KATY,KPIR,KMBG

Strong storms have moved over both ABR and ATY. While the
strongest of storms have shifted northeast, low vis and strong
winds remain possible over the next 2 hours. Hail and winds over
50 mph should be over. Expect VFR ceilings and vis to return to
most locations, expect MVFR conditions to continue at MBG until
around 05Z.

&&

.ABR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Wind Advisory from midnight CDT /11 PM MDT/ tonight to 1 PM CDT
     /noon MDT/ Friday for SDZ003-004-009-015.

MN...None.
&&

UPDATE...KF
SHORT TERM...SRF
LONG TERM...KK
AVIATION...KF

Hazardous weather outlook, May 12, 11:23 AM CST, 6 hours 9 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Aberdeen SD
1223 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

MNZ039-046-SDZ005>008-010-011-017>023-036-037-051-131200-
Traverse-Big Stone-McPherson-Brown-Marshall-Roberts-Edmunds-Day-
Faulk-Spink-Clark-Codington-Grant-Hamlin-Deuel-Hyde-Hand-Buffalo-
1223 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for west central Minnesota,
central South Dakota, north central South Dakota and northeast
South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

This afternoon and evening severe storms are anticipated. Large hail
up to the size of golf balls, damaging winds in excess of 70 miles
per hour, and isolated tornadoes are possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed. Weather spotters are
encouraged to submit reports to the National Weather Service in
Aberdeen. The public can submit reports on our web page, Facebook
page, or our Twitter feed.

SDZ003-004-009-015-016-033>035-045-048-131200-
Corson-Campbell-Walworth-Dewey-Potter-Stanley-Sully-Hughes-Jones-
Lyman-
1223 PM CDT Thu May 12 2022 /1123 AM MDT Thu May 12 2022/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central South Dakota and
north central South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Isolated severe storms are possible this afternoon. Hail and wind
are the main threats.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be requested. Weather spotters are encouraged
to submit reports to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen. The
public can submit reports on our web page, Facebook page, or our
Twitter feed.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 12, 5:16 PM CST, 16 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
616 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022

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

0611 PM     FUNNEL CLOUD     1 NE WAVERLY            45.01N 96.96W
05/12/2022                   CODINGTON          SD   EMERGENCY MNGR

            HEADING NE.

&&

KK

Local storm report, May 12, 5:19 PM CST, 13 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
619 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022

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

0611 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 W WATERTOWN           44.90N 97.13W
05/12/2022                   CODINGTON          SD   EMERGENCY MNGR

            BUILDINGS DAMAGED.

&&

KK

Local storm report, May 12, 5:20 PM CST, 12 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
620 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022

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

0550 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 WNW LAKE COCHRANE REC 44.72N 96.49W
05/12/2022  M102 MPH         DEUEL              SD   PUBLIC

            AMBIENT WEATHER STATION. NEARBY REPORT OF
            TREE DOWN.

&&

MC

Local storm report, May 12, 5:24 PM CST, 8 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
624 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022

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

0615 PM     TSTM WND GST     5 SSE WEBSTER           45.27N 97.47W
05/12/2022  E70 MPH          DAY                SD   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

MC

Local storm report, May 12, 5:26 PM CST, 6 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
626 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022

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

0605 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 S GARY                44.78N 96.46W
05/12/2022                   DEUEL              SD   TRAINED SPOTTER

            HOUSE AND SHED DAMAGE, TURNED OVER
            SEMITRUCK.

&&

KK

Local storm report, May 12, 5:32 PM CST, 0 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
632 PM CDT THU MAY 12 2022

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

0611 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 ESE WATERTOWN         44.88N 97.03W
05/12/2022                   CODINGTON          SD   PUBLIC

            TIME ESTIMATED MPING REPORT, 1-INCH TREE
            LIMB BROKEN; SHINGLES BLOWN OFF.

&&

KK

The radar

The Aberdeen radar (KABR), 146 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:34 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 thunderstorm wind, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 5:32 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 6.85 mi NW of Ortonville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.390, -96.550

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 5:35 PM CST to 5:40 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 3.16 mi SW of Artichoke
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated sustained
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.366, -96.194

Several uprooted and snapped trees on the property. A machine shed was leaning east and another barn leaning northeast. The house on the property was also leaning with a several inch gap between the house and the chimney. The house was deemed unlivable.

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 5:40 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 5.58 mi WNW of Artichoke
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.440, -96.250

Estimated 80 mph wind gusts dented a grain bin and uprooted trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Traverse

When: May 12, 5:48 PM CST
Where: Traverse County, 1.69 mi SW of Dumont
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.700, -96.450

Shingles were pealed off a roof, and at least two large trees were snapped by estimated 70 mph wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 5:48 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 0.69 mi S of Graceville
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.560, -96.430

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 5:50 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 2.98 mi WSW of Graceville
Measured: 69 kt (79 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.560, -96.490

Tornado, Traverse

When: May 12, 5:51 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: Traverse County, 5.93 mi E of Dumont to 6.62 mi ENE of Dumont
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.81 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.715, -96.307

A tornado developed 6 miles east of Dumont on the leading edge of|a line of severe thunderstorms, and then traveled quickly|northeast. An outbuilding took heavy damage, with debris strewn|northeast over half a mile. The majority of the 2x4 planks were|deposited directly to the east of the shed, while another single|2x4 was lodged into the ground at an angle not consistent with|straight-line winds. The tornado then destroyed several mostly|empty grain bins. Some tin from the property was thrown due west|into the trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 5:51 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 0.84 mi SW of Odessa
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.260, -96.340

Tornado, Traverse

When: May 12, 5:59 PM CST to 6:03 PM CST
Where: Traverse County, 7.42 mi S of Charlesville to 3.26 mi SSE of Charlesville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 4.41 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.843, -96.266

A tornado developed 11 miles east of Wheaton along the leading|edge of a line severe thunderstorms. This tornado traveled|rapidly north-northeastward and impacted three farmsteads.|Several trees were uprooted and felled in different directions,|outbuildings were severely damaged, and both homes were damaged|as well including the partial removal of a garage roof. The|tornado continued northeast to right near the Grant County line,|and impacted another farmstead. Silo damage, trees felled in|different directions, and a small outbuilding was moved 10 yards|to the northwest.

Thunderstorm Wind, Big Stone

When: May 12, 6:04 PM CST
Where: Big Stone County, 3.57 mi SW of Artichoke
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.370, -96.210

Thunderstorm Wind, Traverse

When: May 12, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Traverse County, 0.48 mi E of Wheaton
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.800, -96.490

Estimated 80 mph wind gusts uprooted and snapped trees, and blew a roof off of a residence.

What these are

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.

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: 1020548, 1029408, 1023108, 1020572, 1023117, 1020543, 1020876, 1023120, 1020881, 1023121, 1020588.