Minnesota Severe Weather Alerts: Thunderstorms Bring Hail and Gusty Winds Overnight

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of Minnesota, including areas of the northwestern Twin Cities metro, as powerful storms begin to roll in during the overnight hours. Residents should brace for gusty winds, the potential for significant hail, and considerable lightning as these systems track across the region. Heavy rainfall totals are also anticipated in some areas.

The initial severe thunderstorm warnings target the far northwestern Twin Cities metro, specifically parts of northern Wright County and sections of Sherburne County. These areas, situated generally to the south and east of St. Cloud and along Interstate 94, are expected to experience conditions through approximately 2:30 a.m.. Monticello, located in southern Sherburne County just north of St. Michael, is currently under a severe thunderstorm warning, with meteorologists noting the likelihood of larger hail within the storm's core. The storms are not moving rapidly, contributing to the potential for substantial rainfall. Moreover, these systems are packing a punch, evidenced by several hundred lightning strikes recorded over just 30 minutes, indicating they will be quite loud.

The severe weather threat is expanding, with additional cells prompting warnings for other regions. Another severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for southern Wright County, covering areas from Corcoran eastward towards Buffalo. This particular cell carries the potential for up to 1.5 inches of hail, which is roughly the size of a quarter or even a half-dollar. Residents in Corcoran are already experiencing significant thunder and lightning as this system moves through. The entire storm system is generally moving from west to east, advancing towards the western Twin Cities metro. Experts are closely monitoring its southern flank, as it appears poised to continue developing over the next 30 to 45 minutes. Buffalo residents are advised to be prepared, as they are next in the path, with the storm potentially heading into northwestern Hennepin County within the next 45 minutes.

Further north, another severe thunderstorm warning is active for areas just north of the Brainerd Lakes area and southwest across Lake. This warning is in effect through approximately 2:15 a.m. and carries the potential for quarter-size hail. Although the hail size is described as relatively small, this particular cell is moving to the north and east, and its ability to maintain strength will determine its impact on areas like Grand Rapids, which could see effects in about an hour to 90 minutes. Sean McAday from the Fox 9 weather center, a freelancer, is providing ongoing updates as these dynamic weather patterns unfold.

As these severe weather systems continue their progression towards the Twin Cities metro and up and down the 35 corridor, residents are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed. The weather center will continue to provide updates every 20 minutes, or more frequently if new warnings are issued, throughout the overnight hours. The current activity suggests that the region is "just getting started" with this round of severe weather. Therefore, staying connected to official weather reports will be crucial for safety as the night progresses.