On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, a stationary surface front, in conjunction with an anomalously moist airmass over the Northland, resulting in widespread flash flooding. NWS Duluth issued seven Flash Flood Warnings (across much of NE MN and the Bayfield Peninsula), three of which were upgraded to include a considerable tag for life threatening flash flooding.
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.
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, a stationary surface front, in conjunction with an anomalously moist airmass over the Northland, resulting in widespread flash flooding. NWS Duluth issued seven Flash Flood Warnings (across much of NE MN and the Bayfield Peninsula), three of which were upgraded to include a considerable tag for life threatening flash flooding. Additionally, severe thunderstorms occurred ahead of the heaviest rainfall, prompting eight Tornado Warnings (near Ely and between Leech Lake and Grand Rapids) and 16 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Flash flooding extended from north-central Minnesota to the MN Arrowhead and across Lake Superior to the Bayfield Peninsula. River flooding would continue for weeks after the event, and high water in the Rainy River Basin headwaters would eventually lead to minor flooding after another round of heavy rain in early July. Furthermore, significant tree blowdowns occurred in the Superior National Forest due to damaging wind gusts associated with the storms.
Slow moving heavy rain and thunderstorms tracked across northeastern Minnesota and far northern Wisconsin in the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, June 18, leading to extensive damaging flash flooding that evening, and prolonged areal and river flooding through the end of the week. Scattered rain had been persistent through the day, and then widespread strong storms initiated along a slow moving front with parallel atmospheric flow in the upper atmosphere, allowing for persistent regeneration of thunderstorms over the same area. These storms formed within an environment that was tropical in nature, connected to a surge of moisture that originated in the Gulf of Mexico. This produced torrential downpours that were capable of producing rain rates of 1-5 inches per hour. Several reports from trusted CoCoRaHS observers across Northeast Minnesota reported accumulations of an inch in 15 to 30 minutes. A widespread area of 3 inches or more accumulated by the morning of Wednesday, June 19 - the majority of which had fallen in eight hours or less. Fifteen COOP or CoCoRaHS observers in Northeast Minnesota reported 5 inches or more, with the highest reports over 7 inches. MRMS estimates suggest that a small area of 8 inches or more may have been possible, in an area not verified with official reports. These reports of 5-7.5+ inches were 500 to 1000+ year rainfalls, with only a 0.1-0.2% chance of happening in any given year. Elsewhere, rainfall over 3 inches in a 6-12 hour period were 100-200 year rainfalls (0.5-1% chance in any given year). Full list of rainfall reports here, or below. The area had been primed for a big flash flooding event, thanks to a wet spring (top 10 wettest March-April-May on record in the Northland), and several moderate to heavy rain events earlier in the month of June.
The impacts of this heavy rain were immediate. During flash flooding on the evening of the 18th, roads across the Iron Range, Lake Vermilion area, Twin Ports, MN North Shore, and WI South Shore were quickly covered with standing and running water, closing and washing out Superior National Forest roads (including access roads to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, which would strand campers), County Highways (primarily across Cass, Itasca, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Bayfield Counties), state highways (notably MN Highways 61, 73, and 1 and WI Highway 13), and U.S. highways (including Highway 53 and 169 and Interstate 35). Homes along the Iron Range and near Lake Vermilion were surrounded by water and some washouts led to homes and businesses being cut off entirely. Numerous cars became stranded after driving into floodwaters. Debris washed onto roads, which made for treacherous nighttime driving conditions in combination with floodwaters. Culvert washouts led to crumbling roads under unsuspecting drivers. Severe thunderstorms occurring at the same time led to pockets of wind damage, one of which caused a tree to fall on a tent, injuring a nine year old boy and triggering a search and rescue operation in Cook County. The I-35 tunnels in Duluth filled with several feet of water through the evening and traffic was rerouted off the interstate.
The next day, widespread overland flooding began to route into creeks, rivers, and lakes on top of the water that had already immediately fallen into area waterways, continuing extreme rises. Some rivers across the headwaters of the Rainy, Littlefork, Cloquet, and St. Louis rivers rose anywhere from 4 to 20 feet, causing rivers to quickly jump out of banks and lead to another period of minor to major flooding. Area inland lakes saw rises of 1 to 7 feet, especially along the Embarrass River chain of lakes near Biwabik, MN, where drinking water was partially affected. Major flooding occurred along the Littlefork River in the city of Cook, where floodwaters inundated downtown, surrounding residences and businesses with several feet of water for several days. Continued erosion from out-of-bank rivers and creeks continued to work away at area roads and highways, prompting additional road closures. High inflow from the Cloquet River led to water level rises on Island Lake Reservoir and subsequent rapid increase in outflow from the Island Lake Dam (up to 7387 cfs, greater than outflow released during historic flooding of June 2012). This led to extensive flooding downstream of the dam on the Cloquet River which inundated area roads and cut off driveways, encroached on railroad tracks, and surrounded private residences on Hunter and Bowman Lakes. Additional rises on the Mississippi River near Aitkin would briefly hit minor flood stage. Slow moving high water in the Rainy River basin eventually led to minor flooding on Crane, Namakan, and Kabetogama Lakes, thanks to an extra burst of heavy rain early in July.
Damage estimates from the event included $10.5 million in St. Louis County, $1.1 million in Itasca and Lake counties, $400 thousand in Aitkin County, and $205 thousand in Cass County. State and Federal disaster declarations were made for the hardest hit areas.
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 Jun 18, 12:12 AM CST, 2 hours 46 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
112 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Flash Flood Watch area remains unchanged with this update,
though the there are still some pockets of 1.5-3" of rainfall
possible with storms this evening into tonight and again on
Tuesday. Highest amounts are expected along and north of the
Iron Range.
- Main severe threat for this evening into early tonight with
elevated storms will be hail (5-10%). Can't rule out some
gusty winds for storms closer to the surface warm front.
- Additional potential for a line of strong to severe storms
(15%) on Tuesday as it works across the region. Main risk will
be damaging wind gusts to 60, though some large hail and a
low-end threat (2%) for an embedded tornado are also possible.
- Additional chances for rain and storms this weekend, with
heavy rainfall potential, as well.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 439 PM CDT Mon Jun 17 2024
Rest of Today:
The Northland is experiencing a brief period of rain-free
weather this afternoon as showers/storms across southern MN into
western WI are occurring north of the surface warm front draped
across northern Iowa into central WI. There has even been some
clearing between some high clouds for northern MN this afternoon
with high temperatures in the 70s there, but 60s form east-
central MN to the Twin Ports and NW WI where the cloud cover has
hung on.
This Evening - Tonight:
Showers and thunderstorms make a push back into the Northland
from our south starting mid-late this evening as the warm front
surges northward, and persist into the overnight hours along and
north of the front. CAMs are still in disagreement on the
the coverage and eastward extent of these storms later this
evening into tonight, but do favor the best coverage over
north-central Minnesota where the better forcing for ascent
will be present ahead of the approaching low pressure center.
Rich moisture advection (PWATs of 1.6-1.9", near maximum of
climatology for mid-June) and marginal mid-level lapse rates
(6-7 degC/km) will aid in the production of 700-1500 J/kg of
MUCAPE this evening into tonight. The CAPE/Shear combination
would support a marginal threat for severe hail (5-10%) in the
elevated storms over north-central MN. Can't rule out some
stronger wind gusts up to 50-60 mph for storms closer to the
surface warm front, but the elevated nature of most storms
should keep the wind threat lower (5% chance). The severe threat
weakens the later we get into the overnight hours.
As for rainfall, QPF amounts have continued to trend slightly
downwards for this evening and tonight. Amounts generally range
from 0.25-0.5" in NW WI to 0.5-1.25" in the Minnesota side of
our forecast area, with the highest amounts in north-central MN
where storm coverage will be better. The Flash Flood Watch
remains in place as is due to some signal for localized pockets
to 1.5" tonight and additional rainfall with Tuesday's storms
(more details below). These amounts aren't too entirely high,
but will likely be coming in a relatively short timeframe onto
already saturated soils and in efficient rainfall rates in the
storms due to high PWATs and a deep warm/moist layer in the
atmosphere. Can't rule out some ponding or minor flooding due to
the rainfall, but are no longer expecting considerable flooding
potential.
Tuesday - Tuesday Evening:
A strong Colorado low ejecting northeast into the eastern
Dakotas by Tuesday morning will keep showers/storms lingering
over north-central Minnesota through much of Tuesday morning as
the warm front lifts towards the International Border, while the
rest of the Northland could see some lingering drizzle or
spotty showers given lingering low-level moisture and cloud
cover. This sets the stage for how the rest of Tuesday will
turn out with regards to storm development along/ahead of the
cold front Tuesday afternoon and evening as it could affect
whether afternoon high temperatures can become warm enough to
overcome the weaker capping inversion, particularly for north-
central MN where morning convective will linger longest. With
that said, most of the Northland will still see a strong surge
of warm/moisture advection in the warm sector ahead of the cold
front, pushing high temperatures into the 80s for most with
dewpoints climbing into the 70s. Combined with steepening lapse
rates aloft, this could push instability values up to 2000-3000
J/kg with effective shear values around 35-40 knots.
Hodographs/model soundings show predominately unidirectional
winds with height above the lowest 1-2km, so quick growth to a
more linear storm mode would be favored. While damaging wind
gusts to 60 mph would be the main threat (15% chance) as storms
initiate in the mid-afternoon over north-central MN, the low-
level turning could be enough to produce a low-end embedded
tornado threat (2%) in the line as storms move eastwards into
northeast MN and NW WI into the evening. Large hail up to 1 inch
will also be a threat in these storms, but less so than the wind
threat. Storms should gradually weaken mid to late Tuesday
evening as they get farther into NW WI and lose a lot of the
instability with the loss of daytime heating.
Rainfall may be locally heavy on Tuesday under the stronger
storms, but the transient east-west movement of the cold front
and storms should limit the amount of time this heavy rainfall
falls in any one location. However, given rainfall from previous
rounds of rainfall, the total additional rainfall from this
evening through Tuesday will be a general 1-2 inches, with some
localized pockets to 3 inches. Where exactly the heaviest
rainfall with next two rounds of rainfall overlap still varies a
bit from model to model, hence the Flash Flood Watch not being
adjusted in coverage, but the best potential has shifted into
northern MN. Minor flooding/ponding will be the main concern as
a result of any heavy rainfall and runoff due to the decreasing
potential for 3+" of rainfall (<10%) limiting the risk for more
significant flash flooding to occur.
The warm temperatures and humidity will likely push Heat Index
values in NW WI to around 90 degrees on Tuesday afternoon. Not
quite to Heat Advisory levels, but still very muggy.
Wednesday - Early Thursday:
The Northland gets a break from the wet weather for a brief time
Wednesday through early Thursday as high pressure moves through
the region. Temperatures will be more pleasant both days, with
most locations seeing highs in the 70s.
Late Thursday - Next Weekend:
We see another shift to more active weather late Thursday into
this weekend as we get into another southwest flow pattern with
a warm front settling somewhere across the Upper Midwest late
week and then the main upper/surface low moving through the
region Saturday into early Sunday. Gulf of Mexico moisture will
also be surging north (PWATs 1.6-1.9" again) with this system.
Instability looks more weak to moderate, but enough to support
potential low-end strong to severe storm threats for our neck of
the woods on Saturday and Sunday. The main concern during this
period would be additional prolonged heavy rainfall potential
late week into the weekend. Still to early to pin down rainfall
amounts, but NBM probabilities of >1" Thursday-Sunday are
50-80%, with >2" sitting at 30-50% for much of the Northland,
though there are a non-trivial amount of GEFS and Euro ensemble
members with accumulations over 3". We will need to watch trends
with this late week/weekend system closely with future forecast
updates.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 112 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
A warm front will lift through the region over the next few
hours and bring showers and storms to most of the area. Ceilings
and visibilities will drop to MVFR/IFR with the rain with
visibilities improving after the rain moves through. The MVFR
ceilings are expected to persist, however. A break in the rain
is then expected for most areas aside from INL before additional
rounds of showers and storms move through as a cold front slowly
works from west to east. The front will be draped across the
region by the end of the period with rain ending to the west of
it. MVFR/IFR conditions will persist along and ahead of the
front, though. Winds outside of storms will be southerly at 20
to 25 knots then turn westerly behind the front. A strong low
level jet will set up over the area through late morning as well
with widespread low level wind shear.
&&
.MARINE /FOR NEAR SHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/...
Issued at 439 PM CDT Mon Jun 17 2024
Scattered shower and storm potential over western Lake Superior
very late this evening and tonight, though the threat for any
severe weather looks to remain west of the Lake. Better
potential for strong to severe thunderstorms late Tuesday
afternoon into evening as a line of storms develops along a
cold front in Minnesota and moves east over the Lake. Main
concerns would be wind gusts up to 50 knots with these storms,
though can't rule out some hail up to 1 inch in diameter with
those storms, either.
Outside of storms, northeast winds on the Lake this evening and
tonight will increase to around 15 knots. Winds veer out of the
south ahead of the cold front tomorrow, with gusts approaching
25 to 30 knots in the Twin Ports and South Shore from late
Tuesday morning through evening, along with some brief winds to
25 knots along the North Shore in the evening with some 2-4 ft
waves. Therefore, have issued a Small Craft Advisory to account
for the period of hazardous conditions to small craft Tuesday
into Tuesday evening. Winds remain more tame Wednesday as drier
weather briefly returns under high pressure.
For the open water discussion, refer to the NWS Marquette Area
Forecast Discussion at weather.gov/mqt.
&&
.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Flood Watch through Wednesday morning for MNZ010-011-018-019-
025-026-033>038.
WI...Flood Watch through Wednesday morning for WIZ001-006-007.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 1 AM CDT
Wednesday for LSZ121-144>148-150.
Small Craft Advisory from 9 PM this evening to 1 AM CDT
Wednesday for LSZ140>143.
&&
DISCUSSION...Rothstein
AVIATION...BJH
MARINE...RothsteinHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Duluth MN 249 PM CDT Mon Jun 17 2024 MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-182000- 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-Carlton/South St. Louis- Pine-Douglas-Bayfield-Ashland-Iron-Burnett-Washburn-Sawyer-Price- 249 PM CDT Mon Jun 17 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight Periods of moderate to heavy rain are expected today and tonight. Flash flooding is possible, and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect. Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible this evening through tonight. Large hail to 1" in diameter and strong winds to 60 mph are the main threats. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Additional moderate to heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding is possible Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect. Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible late Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. Strong winds to 60 mph and large hail to 1" in diameter are the main threats, and an isolated tornado is possible over northern Minnesota. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Skywarn spotters are encouraged to report hail of any size and rainfall amounts to the National Weather Service. LSZ121-140>148-150-182000- 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- Outer Apostle Islands Beyond 5 NM from Mainland- 249 PM CDT Mon Jun 17 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Superior and the Nearshore waters of western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight There is a small chance of strong to severe storms tonight with hail, wind, and very heavy rain. There may be periods of dense fog tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Strong south winds with gusts up to 25 knots and waves up to 3 feet are expected Tuesday. A small craft advisory is in effect. Isolated to scattered strong to severe storms are possible through Tuesday evening with hail, wind, and very heavy rain. Levens More information may be obtained at the following web address: http://www.weather.gov/duluth
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
253 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
MNZ025-026-033>035-180830-
Northern Aitkin MN-Crow Wing MN-North Cass MN-South Itasca MN-
South Cass MN-
253 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL ITASCA...
NORTHWESTERN AITKIN...SOUTHEASTERN CASS AND NORTHERN CROW WING
COUNTIES THROUGH 330 AM CDT...
At 252 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Fifty Lakes to Nisswa. Movement was northeast
at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Crosby, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Nisswa, Emily, Hill
City, Ironton, Fifty Lakes, Remer, Wabedo, Cuyuna, Longville, Outing,
Cuyuna Country State Park, Gull Lake, Merrifield, Swatara, Woman
Lake, and Lake Shore.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
north central and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4720 9345 4642 9399 4635 9457 4710 9418
TIME...MOT...LOC 0752Z 222DEG 36KT 4676 9410 4648 9432
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MeldeSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
303 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
MNZ019-034>038-180845-
Central St. Louis MN-Northern Aitkin MN-Crow Wing MN-Pine MN-
Carlton/South St. Louis MN-South Aitkin MN-
303 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT AITKIN...NORTH CENTRAL PINE...
SOUTHWESTERN ST. LOUIS...CARLTON AND EAST CENTRAL CROW WING COUNTIES
THROUGH 345 AM CDT...
At 303 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles northwest of Aitkin to 6 miles
southeast of Savanna Portage State Park to Mahtowa. Movement was
northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Cloquet, Big Sandy Lake, Hermantown, Aitkin, Scanlon, Carlton,
Mahtowa, Barnum, Floodwood, Wrenshall, McGregor, Cuyuna, Cromwell,
Kettle River, Palisade, Thomson, Brookston, Meadowlands, Tamarack,
and Libby.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
north central, northeastern and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4690 9358 4714 9261 4680 9220 4636 9269
4637 9325 4652 9395
TIME...MOT...LOC 0803Z 217DEG 26KT 4660 9380 4679 9302 4654 9262
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
MeldeSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
315 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
MNZ026-035-180845-
Northern Aitkin MN-South Itasca MN-
315 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN AITKIN COUNTY THROUGH
345 AM CDT...
At 315 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Palisade, or 12 miles west of Big Sandy Lake, moving northeast at 40
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Big Sandy Lake, Palisade, Libby, Jacobson, Savanna Portage State
Park, Waukenabo, Ball Bluff, Gun Lake, Bain, and Waldeck.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
north central and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4710 9337 4695 9306 4690 9306 4662 9345
4662 9357 4669 9371
TIME...MOT...LOC 0815Z 215DEG 35KT 4671 9354
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MeldeSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
318 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
MNZ025-034-035-180845-
Northern Aitkin MN-Crow Wing MN-North Cass MN-
318 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN AITKIN...EAST
CENTRAL CASS AND NORTHEASTERN CROW WING COUNTIES THROUGH 345 AM
CDT...
At 318 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Crosslake, or 24 miles northeast of Brainerd, moving northeast at 30
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Crosslake, Emily, Hill City, Fifty Lakes, Outing, Swatara, Little
Pine, Manhattan Beach, Lake Roosevelt, Washburn Lake, Esquagamah
Lake, White Elk Lake, Haypoint, Bain, and Big Trout Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
north central and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4709 9384 4706 9377 4703 9377 4703 9370
4689 9336 4655 9400 4670 9416
TIME...MOT...LOC 0818Z 233DEG 27KT 4668 9399
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MeldeSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
340 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
MNZ019-037-180915-
Central St. Louis MN-Carlton/South St. Louis MN-
340 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL ST. LOUIS AND
NORTHEASTERN CARLTON COUNTIES THROUGH 415 AM CDT...
At 340 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Fond Du Lac Band Sawyer Area, or near Cloquet, moving northeast at 45
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown, Scanlon, Brookston, Saginaw, Fond Du Lac
Band Brookston Area, Island Lake, Fond Du Lac Band Cloquet Area, Pike
Lake Near Duluth, City of Rice Lake, Fond Du Lac Band Sawyer Area,
Grand Lake, Fredenberg, Mahnomen, Culver, Fish Lake, Sawyer, Shaw,
and Duluth Heights.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
northeastern Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4660 9265 4676 9282 4715 9232 4687 9201
TIME...MOT...LOC 0840Z 234DEG 38KT 4675 9263
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
MeldeSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
342 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
MNZ019-026-035-037-180915-
Central St. Louis MN-Northern Aitkin MN-South Itasca MN-
Carlton/South St. Louis MN-
342 AM CDT Tue Jun 18 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN ITASCA...
NORTHEASTERN AITKIN AND SOUTHWESTERN ST. LOUIS COUNTIES THROUGH 415
AM CDT...
At 342 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Savanna Portage State Park, or 8 miles north of Big Sandy Lake,
moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Big Sandy Lake, Swan River, Floodwood, Meadowlands, Savanna Portage
State Park, Jacobson, Goodland, Ball Bluff, Elmer, Wawina, Floodwood
Lake, and Island.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
north central, northeastern and east central Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4676 9322 4689 9341 4728 9305 4706 9269
TIME...MOT...LOC 0842Z 224DEG 36KT 4689 9325
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
MeldeThe Duluth radar (KDLH), 108 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:59 UTC.
44 flash flood, 5 hail, 4 flood, 3 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A birch tree was snapped off 10 feet above the ground.
Water was quickly pooling in yards and parking lots in the area.
Several trees were snapped with one large pine at least several feet in diameter snapped near the ground.
Water was quickly pooling on streets, parking lots and yards.
Widespread tree damage was reported with large white pine branches being tossed.
A video was received showing 3 to 6 inches of water quickly flowing down County Road 766 near the Sturgeon River crossing. The water was covering the entire road.
A photo was received showing water across County Road 949 that was at least 6 inches deep. The observer noted that 1.5 inches of rain had fallen in the last 40 minutes.
A video was received showing 3 to 6 inches of water over 2nd Avenue Southeast.
County Road 77 was covered by 3 to 6 inches of water per a photo that was received.
A delivery driver reported that multiple roads were under water and impassable including Nelson and Big Rock roads.
The intersection of Pattison Street and 2nd Ave East was closed due to the rapidly rising water. Water was also flowing out of the storm drains.
The intersection of Vermilion Drive and County Road 115 was covered in water and washing out at the time of the report.
Highway 1 between Tower and Cook had spots with water across the road and one spot with only one lane open. There was also a spot on Highway 22 that had water flowing across it and was deeper than the other spots. The spotter lost power to their vehicle after hitting it.
Streets and yards in the city of Cook were under water. Low spots of Highway 24 were under water with up to 6 to 12 inches of water across roads.
Olson Road just south of the Vermilion Fairways golf course was under water and washed out. The golf course itself was also under water.
Roads in the area were entirely covered with at least 6 inches of water.
A video was received showing streets completely covered with water at least a foot deep and perhaps deeper in some spots.
Significant curb to curb street flooding was reported across Chisholm.
A video was received showing Business Highway 169 completely covered with at least a foot of water, perhaps more in some spots. The water was up to the front steps of some homes.
US Highway 53 was flooded and closed at Hannula Road.
Flooding was reported along Minnesota Highway 38 between County Highway 28 and Forest Road 2373 near Marcell.
Photos were received showing East Pattison Street in Ely completely covered by a foot of water.
Around 6 inches of water was flowing over a residential gravel road.
Flooding along Minnesota Highway 1 between Brown Road and County Road 361 led to the closure of Highway 1.
Minnesota Highway 1 was closed in both directions between Sassas Road and Brown Road due to flooding.
Minnesota Highway 73 was closed between Forest Road 272 and Osborn Road due to flooding.
Video was received showing Breezy Point Road completely washed out at least 8 feet across.
Minnesota Highway 37 and US Highway 169 were covered in water and closed near the roundabout from the church to the car wash.
Water was covering County Road 5 NW near the outboard motor shop. The water was over a feet deep being about halfway up car tires near the edge of the flooded roadway.
Minnesota Highway 135 was flooded and closed between Minnesota Highway 37 and Heritage Trail.
Flooding was reported near the Fall Lake Campground.
Flooding was reported on the north side of Coleraine.
Water was covering driveways and was backed up to a few houses in the area.
Water was covering a residential driveway to the top of the observer's rain boots.
Water was over Highway 61 with the road being closed as a result.
Minnesota Highway 169 was closed due to flooding between Karjala and Koski Road.
A few streets in Floodwood were covered with water and closed.
Portions of Minnesota Highway 1 were closed between Minnesota Highway 65 and Us Highway 53 due to flooding.
Minnesota Highway 38 was closed between Polaris Road and North Star Road due to flooding.
Flood waters from Weiss Creek were flowing over Minnesota Highway 1 with half the roadway washed away at the time of the survey visit around 9:30AM CST. The roadway was closed at the time of the visit.
Video was received showing fast moving flood waters at least 6 inches deep over a sidewalk and street near homes and apartment buildings.
Minnesota Highway 1 was closed northeast of Finland between White Pine Road and Riverside Drive due to flooding and washouts.
Video was received of flash flooding in the I-35 tunnels resulting in their closure with stranded cars.
Video was received showing flash flooding affecting Minnesota Highway 61 east of Lutsen in multiple locations leading to its closure.
A small creek flowing between two houses was outside of its banks flowing downhill.
Video was received showing flood waters flowing across a road and a yard near Portland Manor on the corner of E. 4th Street and 9th Ave East.
Flooding was reported along Howard Gnesen Road.
Flooding and debris across Minnesota Highway 61 led to multiple closures between Outer Drive in Silver Bay and Happy Acres Drive in Lutsen.
Streets and yards in the city of Cook were under water. Low spots of Highway 24 were under water with up to 6 to 12 inches of water across roads. This was following the heavy rainfall on the 18th where 3 to 7 inches of rainfall fell across the region. This led to major flooding occurring along the Littlefork River in the city of Cook, where floodwaters inundated downtown, surrounding residences and businesses with several feet of water, closing dozens of roads, and prompting sandbagging efforts and evacuation of parts of the city. Federal and state disasters were declared once the water receded nearly a week later.
Report of approximately one foot of water flowing over Pequaywan Lake Road at Pine Creek near Brimson. The caller said that it looks like there is a short waterfall on one side of the road.
Photos were received of water over Highway 100 between Aurora and Twin Lakes.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Minnesota in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Minnesota, June 2024
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: 1195731, 1195683, 1195678, 1195681, 1196185, 1195679, 1195733, 1196188, 1195732, 1196193, 1196195, 1196198, 1195680, 1196199, 1196203, 1196205, 1196208, 1196216, 1196220, 1196221, 1196245, 1196246, 1196247, 1196248, 1196260, 1196291, 1196296, 1196299, 1196302, 1196303, 1196306, 1196308, 1196545, 1196546, 1196547, 1196548, 1196549, 1196550, 1196551, 1198446, and more.