World · North America · 4 hrs ago
Severe storms bring tornado warnings and large hail to Minnesota
Severe thunderstorms moved northeast across central Minnesota on Wednesday.
Tornado warnings were issued for Dakota and Goodhue counties, while a tornado watch covered parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Hail measuring 3 inches was reported near Atwater.
Forecasters had warned that storms could bring tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, lightning and heavy rain.
The storms were expected to move from Minnesota toward western Wisconsin.
The warnings and storms mattered because they threatened people during the afternoon and evening commute and outdoor activities.
The latest update said no warnings were in effect in the Twin Cities at that time.
Severe storms brought tornado warnings and large hail to parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Tornado warnings were issued for Dakota and Goodhue counties until 5:30 p.m. CDT.
Hail measuring 3 inches was reported near Atwater, Minnesota.
A tornado watch covered the greater Twin Cities area and parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin until 9 p.m.
Forecast threats included tornadoes, winds up to 70 mph, hail, lightning and heavy rain.
- Who
- Residents in parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin faced severe-weather threats.
- What
- Severe storms brought tornado warnings and large hail. A 3-inch hail report came from near Atwater.
- When
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Tornado warnings for Dakota and Goodhue counties lasted until 5:30 p.m. CDT.
- Where
- Central Minnesota, including areas near Atwater, as well as Dakota and Goodhue counties; the watch also covered parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
- Why
- A line of showers and thunderstorms was expected to intensify as it moved east, creating a risk of severe weather.
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A line of showers and thunderstorms was expected to develop west of the Twin Cities.
Storms were forecast to intensify and move into the west metro area.
Tornado warnings were issued for Dakota and Goodhue counties until 5:30 p.m. CDT.
Hail measuring 3 inches was reported near Atwater, Minnesota.
- Hail report
- 3 inches near Atwater, Minnesota
- Tornado warnings
- Dakota and Goodhue counties until 5:30 p.m. CDT
- Tornado watch
- Greater Twin Cities area and parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin until 9 p.m. Wednesday
- Potential wind gusts
- Up to 70 mph
- Forecast hail size
- Up to about 1.5 inches, described as ping-pong size