A low-pressure system is expected to bring widespread severe weather risk to Minnesota on Tuesday, May 2024. According to the Twin Cities National Weather Service office, this once-in-a-decade strength low-pressure storm will generate multiple rounds of thunderstorms with the potential for damaging winds, hail, and possibly tornadoes.
The first wave of potentially severe storms is expected Monday evening. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal severe risk (Category 1 of 5) around the Twin Cities for Monday evening, with a higher slight severe risk zone (Category 2 of 5) south of the Twin Cities. The highest chance for severe weather is in southern Minnesota, including towns along Interstate 90 such as Albert Lea, Austin, and Rochester.
The second wave of storms will impact Minnesota on Tuesday. NOAA's High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model shows two main storm waves developing. The first plows through southern Minnesota toward the Twin Cities area Tuesday morning. The second develops across southern Minnesota Tuesday afternoon and races into the Twin Cities late Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening.
Heavy rainfall is also expected, with a swath of 2 to more than 4 inches locally from western Minnesota through central Minnesota. The Twin Cities and southern Minnesota are likely to see 1 to 2 inches, but locally up to 3 inches is possible in some areas.
A flood watch has been issued for most of northeastern Minnesota, affecting cities such as Stillwater, St Paul, Monticello, Hutchinson, Center City, Elk River, Gaylord, Litchfield, Blaine, Chanhassen and Hudson. The National Weather Service offices in Twin Cities and Duluth have issued the flood watch.
Stay tuned for updates on severe weather watches and warnings from NOAA.
