Parade of Storms Rolls Through North-Central U.S.

The northern Plains and Upper Midwest won’t catch a break as another round of robust thunderstorms flare up later today. All modes of severe weather will be on the table.

The recent weather pattern across the central U.S. has been dominated by a front that contains separate cooler air to the north and the warmer, humid air to the south. A cold front will be sweeping across the Northern Tier, prompting a reaction of robust thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening. There could even be a few strong storms this morning as well.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has even placed a large Slight Risk (2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) over the northern High Plains, Dakotas, Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Cities in this area such as Billings, Mont., Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D., Aberdeen, S.D., and Duluth, Minn., could see thunderstorm gusts peaking between 55 to 65 mph, large hail and a few isolated tornadoes. 

The severe weather potential will not just be contained there, however. Cities such as Minneapolis, Norfolk and McCook, Neb., Sioux Falls, S.D., Des Moines, Iowa, and La Crosse, Wis., will all have chances to see a brief severe thunderstorm or two today as this front sweeps through this afternoon and evening.

An additional threat from today’s storms will be heavy rain and/or flash flooding. Storms will be capable of producing a quick 1 to 2 inches of rainfall within a short period of time, which could lead to flooding issues today. Flood Watches are in place across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin as a result. Should you come across a flooded roadway, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"