'Very large hail and damaging winds' the main threats with severe storms Thursday
There is an increasing threat for severe storms to move through southern Minnesota on Thursday, though the bulk of the feistiest storms are expected to remain south of the Twin Cities.
"The potential for severe thunderstorms has increased for tonight, from approximately 5 pm through midnight," says the La Crosse branch of the National Weather Service.
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"The greatest threat for severe storms and heavy rainfall will exist south of Interstate 90, but a severe storm or two will be possible further north. Main hazards will include large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. A tornado or two is also possible, mainly south of I-90."
The Storm Prediction Center warns that "very large hail and damaging winds are the main threats."
The Twin Cities office of the National Weather Service says today's severe weather setup is similar to June 2, 2020, which saw thunderstorms produce possible tornadoes in Blue Earth County, in addition to hail the size of golf balls and tennis balls, according to the state climate journal.
Those June 2 storms eventually began producing damaging winds, with tree damage reported in Blue Earth, Waseca, Freeborn, and Houston counties.
Friday and Saturday look dry, but another round of severe weather may be possible Sunday in Minnesota.