Strong storms swept across Minnesota on Wednesday, prompting a tornado watch for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas as warm, humid conditions fuelled an unusual late-October spell of severe weather.
The National Weather Service issued the watch for parts of central and southern Minnesota, including Minneapolis and St Paul, as well as parts of western Wisconsin. It was allowed to expire for Minnesota shortly after 7pm, while a lower-level threat remained in western Wisconsin until 9pm.
Severe storms move across Minnesota
Storms were tracking east-north-east at about 30mph to the north and south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Forecasters said the combination of sunshine, humidity and above-average temperatures had created conditions favourable for strong thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service warned that storms could produce large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. A tornado warning was issued during the afternoon for parts of Dakota and Goodhue counties in Minnesota and Pierce County in Wisconsin.
At one stage, radar indicated a tornado near Welch, about 11 miles west of Red Wing, moving east at roughly 40mph. The warning also included the possibility of hail up to 1.25in in diameter.
The severe weather threat was expected to ease through the evening as the storm system moved away. The National Weather Service said no hazardous weather was expected from Thursday through the following days.
Temperatures will remain above average but turn cooler. Halloween is forecast to be cloudy, with highs in the mid to upper 50s Fahrenheit.
