Severe storms expected Memorial Day

Memorial Day has begun with a batch of thunderstorms that began in in central Minnesota and moved northeast toward the Canadian border by 8 a.m. This initial round delivered heavy rain, strong winds, and hail with a report of 2" hail in Moose Lake.

The severe threat from the morning round has diminished. Scattered showers and storms may still filter through the Northland from southwest to northeast into the afternoon. Beginning in the late afternoon, we turn our attention to western Minnesota. This is where the strongest storms are expected with a widespread chance for tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail past 2" in diameter.

The severe thunderstorm threat will move southwest to northeast across the Northland through the evening with storms gradually weakening. The most active timeframe will be around 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. along and south of a line from Grand Rapids to Hinckley. The active stretch will approach the Twin Ports and continue across the Arrowhead into northwest Wisconsin between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Storms should lose severe strength by midnight as they exit the tip of the Arrowhead and enter the U.P.

Heavy rain and flash flooding will also be a concern, especially considering areas receiving moisture from both morning and evening rounds. A Flood Watch remains in effect for Crow Wing, Cass, North Aitkin, Itasca, Koochiching, and Central and North St. Louis County until 12 p.m. Tuesday.