Severe Storms Hit Minnesota: Tornadoes and Baseball-Sized Hail Threaten Southern Regions
Minnesota is facing an explosive weather day this Monday, April 13, 2026, as severe thunderstorms sweep across the state. With the potential for violent tornadoes and massive hail, meteorologists have issued urgent alerts for residents, particularly those in the southern half of the state and the Twin Cities metro area.
NOAA Issues Enhanced Risk Alert
The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has placed the Twin Cities, Mankato, Rochester and surrounding areas under an enhanced risk for severe storms. This classification represents a level 3 out of 5 on the severe weather scale, signaling a significant threat to life and property. According to reports from Bring Me The News, these “beastly” storms are expected to erupt across southern Minnesota throughout the afternoon.
Primary Hazards: Massive Hail and Tornadoes
The most concerning aspects of today’s weather systems are the potential for extreme hail and tornadic activity.
Baseball-Sized Hail
Meteorologists warn that established supercells could produce hail significantly larger than typical storms. KARE 11 reports that hail could reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter, with other forecasts describing the threat as “baseball-sized” hail across the southern half of the state.
Tornado Potential
The risk of tornadoes is elevated due to favorable low-level shear. The Storm Prediction Center noted that if supercells anchor to the warm front and become surface-based, the threat for one or more strong tornadoes increases. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci highlighted that the HRRR model indicates a concerning picture for the Minneapolis metro, including the possibility of rotating supercells, as reported by Yahoo News.
Affected Areas and Storm Timing
While the threat is widespread, the most robust storm activity is expected to hit south and southeastern Minnesota early this evening. The storms are likely to develop and intensify quickly before eventually marching into Wisconsin late tonight.
Key areas currently under high alert include:
- The Twin Cities: Under an enhanced risk for damaging winds and large hail.
- Mankato and Rochester: Facing potential violent tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
- Southern Minnesota: The primary zone for explosive storm development.
The Science Behind the Storms
The current volatility is driven by a warm front creeping in from the south, with high temperatures lingering around 70 degrees. KARE 11 Meteorologist Courtney Aitken explains that the greatest threat exists along this front. While the path of the storms can shift, they will ultimately develop where atmospheric conditions are most favorable.
Key Takeaways
- Risk Level: Level 3 of 5 (Enhanced Risk) per NOAA.
- Main Threats: Tornadoes, 2-3 inch (baseball-sized) hail, and damaging wind gusts.
- Primary Locations: Twin Cities, Mankato, Rochester, and southern Minnesota.
- Timing: Storms intensifying Monday afternoon and evening, moving toward Wisconsin overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas are at the highest risk?
The southern half of Minnesota, including Mankato and Rochester, as well as the Twin Cities metro area, are currently in the highest risk zones.
How large could the hail be?
Forecasts indicate hail could reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter, which is comparable to the size of a baseball.
When will the storms depart Minnesota?
Storms are expected to continue developing through late Monday night before moving eastward into Wisconsin.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts and have a plan in place to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued for their area.