Minnesota weather: Severe thunderstorms Saturday night

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Severe thunderstorms are working their way from the northwest of Minnesota down across the state, ultimately expected to hit the Twin Cities. 

What to expect

Thunderstorms are expected to be strong to severe at times, with a severe thunderstorm watch in place until 1 a.m. Sunday for a large portion of the state, including most of the Twin Cities. 

These storms are moving toward the Twin Cities from the northwest. Damaging wind gusts from 60 to 70 mph and large hail of 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter are possible. These storms are moving south and east across central and southern Minnesota.

A tornado warning has been issued for Kandiyohi and Meeker counties until 10 p.m. There also is a severe thunderstorm warning issued for Carver, Hennepin and Wright counties until 10:30 p.m. Storms are moving southeast at 30 mph, with an expected wind gust of 60 mph. 

There is a severe thunderstorm warning in the areas of Litchfield, New London and Spicer until 9:45 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) says this storm could include golf ball-sized hail. 

There was a tornado warning in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park Saturday night. 

Hail has been reported in Stearns County where there was a tornado warning. 

These storms are expected to dissipate by midnight Saturday, leading into a calm Sunday. 

Hail and storm damage

As severe storms hit across Minnesota, coming from the northwest into the Twin Cities Saturday, large hail fell in many parts of the state. 

Storm damage in Melrose

Damage from severe storms hit Melrose, Minnesota Saturday evening from strong winds. 

Power outages

A large cluster of roughly 2,300 power outages was reported near Albany, Minnesota at about 8:45 p.m., but most of those outages were resolved and power restored before 10 p.m. Another cluster of about 2,500 outages was reported at about 9:40 p.m. between Forest Lake and Wyoming. Check the Xcel outage map here.