It’s possible to see hail stones the size of tennis balls this afternoon as storms move across eastern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin.
The Twin Cities metro area, Mankato, Rochester, Red Wing, and parts of Wisconsin are all under a severe weather watch from the National Weather Service. The watch stays in place until 10 p.m. CT.
The National Weather Service says that thunderstorms will likely keep happening this afternoon and that big hail up to 1.5 to 2.5 inches across is possible.
“As this activity moves east to northeast, damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph may become more of a threat through this evening, especially if thunderstorms can group together.
” It also looks like a tornado or two could happen with any sustained supercell that is based on the surface.
“In the presence of at least strong deep-layer shear, it appears that this will probably include widely scattered to scattered supercells, initially generally west of the Minneapolis through Mankato vicinities,” states NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center. “These probably will pose a risk for severe hail, with largest stones perhaps exceeding 2 inches in diameter.”
A blue area covers a large part of Minnesota on NOAA’s map that shows possible hail sizes. The places in that blue area are prime for the biggest hailstones. Remember that the blue area is going east with the cold front.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to see hail the size of tennis balls this afternoon?
Yes, it is possible to see hailstones the size of tennis balls (1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter) in areas of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin this afternoon as thunderstorms move through the region.
2. What areas are under a severe weather watch?
The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather watch for the following areas:
– Twin Cities metro area
– Mankato
– Rochester
– Red Wing
– Parts of Wisconsin
The watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. Central Time.
3. What kind of severe weather can we expect?
The main threats are:
– Large hail (1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter)
– Damaging winds (60 to 70 mph)
– Possible tornadoes, especially with any sustained supercells
4. Will thunderstorms continue throughout the afternoon?
Yes, thunderstorms are expected to continue this afternoon. These storms may intensify as they move east to northeast, and the risk of damaging winds may increase through the evening.
5. How likely is tornado activity?
Tornadoes are possible, particularly with any supercells that develop near the surface. Although tornado activity is not guaranteed, it remains a concern.
6. What does NOAA say about the situation?
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center reports that widely scattered to scattered supercells are likely, especially west of the Minneapolis and Mankato areas. These supercells are expected to bring severe hail, with stones possibly exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
7. What areas are most likely to see large hail?
A blue-shaded area on NOAA’s hail map indicates that a large part of Minnesota is at risk for the biggest hailstones. This area is moving eastward along with the cold front.
8. What precautions should I take during this severe weather watch?
– Stay indoors and avoid windows during hail and strong winds.
– Secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles.
– Monitor weather updates through local news or a weather app.
– Be prepared to take cover in case of a tornado warning.
9. When will the severe weather watch end?
The severe weather watch is in place until 10 p.m. Central Time tonight. For the latest updates, refer to NOAA and the National Weather Service.