Northern Plains, Upper Midwest Under Severe Threat

In true summer fashion, severe thunderstorms will rumble over the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest tonight.

The catalyst for dangerous thunderstorms will be a low pressure system tracking along the U.S.-Canada border. There will also be an associated cold front pushing through the north-central U.S. Both the low pressure and cold front will provide enough instability and lift to trigger thunderstorms tonight into Tuesday morning.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk for severe weather, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe storm probability scale. This covers southeastern Minnesota into southern Wisconsin and far northern Illinois, including Minneapolis, La Crosse and Milwaukee, Wis. A larger Slight Risk is also in effect from the Upper Mississippi Valley into the Upper Midwest.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions of central and eastern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Cities include St. Cloud and Minneapolis, Minn., and Eau Claire, Wis. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in effect for portions of Lower Michigan, including Grand Rapids and Lansing. 

Clusters of thunderstorms will progress southeastward this evening into Tuesday morning toward Illinois, Missouri, and Lake Michigan. Large hail, heavy rain and damaging wind gusts will be the main concerns, but an isolated tornado threat exists as well.

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!”