Explore

Tornadoes Reported in Southern Minnesota Amidst Hailstorms

Tornadoes Reported in Southern Minnesota Amidst Hailstorms

Southern Minnesota is experiencing severe weather, with reports of tornadoes and hail affecting the region. A tornado watch is in effect for southeastern Minnesota until 8 p.m. on Friday. The National Weather Service has confirmed several tornado touchdowns, and communities are currently assessing the damage. The storms have also produced hail across southern and eastern Minnesota, adding to the challenges faced by residents and emergency services.

Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage Across the Midwest

Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage Across the Midwest

A series of severe storms, including reported tornadoes, have caused significant damage across the Upper Midwest, affecting states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. The storms, which occurred on Friday, left a trail of destruction, including damaged homes, uprooted trees, and impassable roads. In Wisconsin, the cities of Kronenwetter and Ringle experienced significant damage, with some residents trapped in their basements. In Minnesota, Olmsted County reported multiple levels of damage, with at least 30 homes affected. Illinois also saw significant impacts, with structural damage to schools and other buildings. Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities have been reported.

Tornadoes Cause Significant Damage in Rochester Area with Wind Speeds Up to 130 mph

Tornadoes Cause Significant Damage in Rochester Area with Wind Speeds Up to 130 mph

A series of tornadoes struck the Rochester area in Minnesota, causing significant damage to dozens of homes. The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornadoes reached wind speeds of up to 130 mph. The strongest tornado, classified as an EF-2, affected the Stewartville area, damaging numerous properties. Another EF-2 tornado was reported east of Rochester in the Viola-Plainview area, with wind speeds reaching 125 mph. Additionally, an EF-1 tornado with winds of 100 mph was recorded in the Potsdam area. In total, around 30 homes in Marion Township and 22 homes in Stewartville were damaged, with some experiencing severe structural damage. The tornadoes were part of a larger storm system that also impacted southeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin, where an EF-3 tornado was confirmed in the Cream area.

Severe Storms Threaten Chicago Area with Damaging Winds and Tornado Risk

Severe Storms Threaten Chicago Area with Damaging Winds and Tornado Risk

The Chicago area is bracing for severe storms expected to hit this evening, with the most significant impact anticipated from late afternoon through midnight. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, including Tornado Watches and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for several counties. The primary concerns are damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for tornadoes, particularly west of Chicago. Heavy rainfall is also expected, which could lead to localized flooding, especially in areas where rivers are already rising. The storms are part of a broader weather system affecting the Midwest, placing the Chicago area in a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather.

Midwest Communities Begin Cleanup After Tornadoes and Severe Weather Cause Extensive Damage

Midwest Communities Begin Cleanup After Tornadoes and Severe Weather Cause Extensive Damage

Communities across the Midwest are starting the cleanup process after multiple tornadoes touched down and severe weather struck areas from the Great Lakes to Texas. The National Weather Service forecasts another round of severe thunderstorms across parts of the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Great Lakes. Over 70,000 customers in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions are without power, with most outages in Illinois and Missouri. In Rochester, Minnesota, a tornado caused extensive damage to homes, including the house of an elderly resident, though no injuries were reported. In Lena, Illinois, another tornado knocked out power and caused damage, including to local schools, but no injuries occurred. Severe weather also affected Oklahoma, with downed trees and powerlines reported.

Midwest Endures Destructive Storms, Communities Begin Recovery

Midwest Endures Destructive Storms, Communities Begin Recovery

The Midwest experienced a series of destructive storms, including reported tornadoes, causing widespread damage across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In Lena, Illinois, a high school was damaged during a music competition, leading to panic among students. The storms uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and left roads blocked with debris. Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities have been reported. Local officials, such as Marathon County Sheriff Chad Billeb, noted the severity of the devastation, emphasizing the need for community support and recovery efforts. In Wisconsin, the cities of Kronenwetter and Ringle were particularly hard-hit, with residents assisting each other in clearing debris.

Severe Storms and Tornadoes Cause Extensive Damage Across Midwest, No Fatalities Reported

Severe Storms and Tornadoes Cause Extensive Damage Across Midwest, No Fatalities Reported

A series of powerful storms, including reported tornadoes, swept through the Midwest on April 17, 2026, causing significant damage across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The storms uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and left rural roads impassable with debris. Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities were reported. In Lena, Illinois, the storm caused significant structural damage, including to a local high school where students experienced panic as the building shook and lost power. In Wisconsin, the cities of Kronenwetter and Ringle were hit hard, with homes damaged and residents temporarily trapped in basements. Minnesota's Olmsted County also reported multiple levels of damage, with at least 30 homes affected. Local officials and emergency services are working to assess the damage and assist affected residents.

Severe Tornado Outbreak Hits Rochester Area with 130 mph Winds

Severe Tornado Outbreak Hits Rochester Area with 130 mph Winds

A series of tornadoes struck the Rochester area, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse, the most powerful tornado in Minnesota was an EF-2, with wind speeds reaching up to 130 mph. This tornado traveled approximately 10 miles and was about 175 yards wide, impacting the Stewartville area. Another EF-2 tornado was reported east of Rochester in the Viola-Plainview area, with winds reaching 125 mph. A third tornado, classified as EF-1, affected the Potsdam area with winds up to 100 mph. In total, around 30 homes in Marion Township and 22 in Stewartville were damaged, with eight homes suffering significant damage.

Severe Storms Expected Friday Morning in Twin Cities and Eastern Minnesota

Severe Storms Expected Friday Morning in Twin Cities and Eastern Minnesota

A fast-moving cold front is anticipated to bring strong to severe thunderstorms to eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin on Friday. According to MPR News, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal severe weather risk for the Twin Cities, with higher risk levels to the east. Forecast models show variability in the timing of the front, with some predicting storm development over the Twin Cities and eastern Minnesota in the morning, moving eastward into southeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin by midday and afternoon. The NOAA's NAM 3 km model suggests storm activity between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday.

Severe Weather Threatens Kansas City Area with Tornado Watch and Strong Winds

Severe Weather Threatens Kansas City Area with Tornado Watch and Strong Winds

The Kansas City area is under a tornado watch as severe thunderstorms are expected to bring strong winds and potential tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings for counties in both Kansas and Missouri, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 80 mph. The storms are part of a larger weather system moving through the region, with the most significant threats being strong straight-line winds and large hail. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and stay informed through weather alerts as the storms are expected to impact the area during peak evening commute hours.

Minnesota Weather Forecast Predicts Major Changes After Warm Spell

Minnesota Weather Forecast Predicts Major Changes After Warm Spell

The latest weather report for Minnesota, dated April 16, 2026, indicates that the region is experiencing a final day of warmth and sunshine before significant weather changes are expected. This forecast suggests a shift from the current pleasant conditions to potentially more challenging weather patterns. The report highlights the importance of preparing for these changes, as they could impact daily activities and local events.

Tornado threat peaks as severe storms sweep central U.S.

Tornado threat peaks as severe storms sweep central U.S.

A multiday severe weather outbreak will peak Friday, bringing tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds across the Plains and Midwest before shifting east Saturday. Over 600 severe reports have already been recorded this week. The highest tornado risk targets parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota Friday afternoon into night. Storms will push into the Ohio Valley and Northeast Saturday, while flooding continues in the Upper Midwest. Conditions ease by Sunday.