Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >
Overview
A QLCS-like line of storms quickly developed ahead of a blob of decaying convection that was moving northeast in southern MN. These new storms formed within a narrow corridor of uncapped, moderate MLCAPE with very high MLCAPE values in the lowest 3 km. While bulk shear magnitudes were borderline, the 0-3 km shear was normal to the line of storms, signaling some possibility of QLCS tornadoes. As the line of storms traveled through the Twin Cities, 5 EF0 tornadoes were confirmed in the southeast metro. Numerous trees were uprooted or broken and a few structures were damaged. Strong winds also caused damage and a 61 mph wind gust was measured at the grandstand of the Minnesota State Fair.
Tornadoes:
Tornado - Apple Valley/Burnsville
Track Map ![]() Downloadable KMZ File |
Tornado - Apple Valley
Track Map ![]() Downloadable KMZ File |
Tornado - Eagan
Track Map ![]() Downloadable KMZ File |
Tornado - West St. Paul
Track Map ![]() Downloadable KMZ File |
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Tornado - St. Paul
Track Map ![]() Downloadable KMZ File |
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:
EF0 Weak 65-85 mph |
EF1 Moderate 86-110 mph |
EF2 Significant 111-135 mph |
EF3 Severe 136-165 mph |
EF4 Extreme 166-200 mph |
EF5 Catastrophic 200+ mph |
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Photos & Video
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An uprooted tree in a front yard. | Tree trunks and branches snapped and damaged a swing set. | Photo of storm damage in Apple Valley/Eagan. (Credit: Tanner Verstegen) |
Multiple trees uprooted in West St. Paul. |
Radar
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August 27 Radar Loop | Velocity couplet over Eagan at 8:46pm CDT. | Velocity couplet near St. Paul at 9:02pm CDT. |
Storm Reports
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