Severe Thunderstorm Watches Issued Across Upper Midwest as Damaging Weather Threatens Multiple States

Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued across portions of the Upper Midwest, with the National Weather Service warning of large hail, damaging wind gusts, and possible tornadoes through Wednesday evening. The alerts cover central and northern Minnesota, most of Wisconsin, and eastern Iowa, affecting millions of residents across the region.

Watch Coverage and Timing

The National Weather Service has established two distinct severe thunderstorm watches ahead of afternoon and evening storm activity. The first watch encompasses central and northern Minnesota from areas like Brainerd and Hinckley extending northward, excluding portions of the Arrowhead region. The second watch covers far southeastern Minnesota, most of Wisconsin with only far northeastern counties near the Upper Peninsula excluded, and eastern Iowa along the Wisconsin and Illinois borders.

Both watches remain in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday. Storm development is expected between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., with the greatest potential for severe weather during afternoon and evening hours as atmospheric conditions destabilize.

Primary Hazards and Threat Assessment

Forecasters have identified large hail up to two inches in diameter as the primary threat, along with isolated instances of even larger hail. Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 65 miles per hour in the strongest storms. An isolated tornado or two remains possible, though not the dominant threat. Eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin face an enhanced level 3 risk for severe weather, extending into eastern Iowa and northern Illinois. Central Minnesota is under a level 2 slight risk, while western Minnesota carries a level 1 marginal risk.

This outbreak follows an earlier round of morning storms that moved through the region. As atmospheric energy recharges, meteorologists expect storms to redevelop during late morning through the evening, though the exact location where severe activity develops remains uncertain at this time.