MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A tornado was observed near Rochester on Friday afternoon as strong storms swept across southeastern Minnesota and into Wisconsin. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings and watches as the line of storms intensified through the day.
The weather threat stretched across several counties, with reports of large hail, damaging winds and more than one tornado warning in effect. Forecasters said the strongest storm chances were focused east of the Twin Cities, especially in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Warnings Spread Across the Region
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for a small part of southeastern Minnesota and much of southern Wisconsin and Iowa, with the watch set to run until 8 p.m. Friday. A tornado warning was also issued for Olmsted County until 2:45 p.m.
By midafternoon, warnings were continuing in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and FOX Weather reported seven active tornado warnings across the Midwest. The weather service also confirmed a tornado north of Highway 10 near Fairchild, Wisconsin, though law enforcement later said it had lifted.
Hail And Wind Threats
Earlier in the day, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin until 5 p.m. Friday. Officials warned of lightning, hail and isolated wind gusts up to 70 mph.
Golf ball-sized hail was reported near Rochester, and a severe thunderstorm warning covered parts of southern Minnesota, including Northfield, Cannon Falls and Randolph. That warning included the possibility of winds up to 50 mph and half-dollar-sized hail.
Forecast Into Friday Evening
Forecasters said scattered storms could develop in the Twin Cities around lunchtime or early afternoon, but the greater risk for stronger weather was farther east. Southeastern Minnesota was under a level 2 slight risk, while the Twin Cities sat in a level 1 marginal risk area.
The storms were expected to move out by evening, leaving behind blustery winds and temperatures in the 40s. A river flood warning was also in effect for La Crosse County in Wisconsin through Saturday morning.
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