Minnesota residents, especially in central and eastern parts of the state, should prepare for strong thunderstorms overnight Thursday into Friday morning. A powerful cold front moving west to east is expected to trigger scattered storms, some of which could turn severe, with damaging winds and large hail being the main concerns.
Storm Timing and Impact Areas
The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities reports that storms will first form in western Minnesota late Thursday evening. The strongest cells are most likely near Fergus Falls and Alexandria. As the night progresses, the system will move across:
St. Cloud
Twin Cities metro
Rochester
These areas may experience storms between midnight and early Friday morning, just as many people are getting ready for their morning commute.
Main Threats With This Storm System
While this isn’t expected to be a widespread outbreak, some storms could pack a punch, especially overnight when people are less likely to be paying attention.
Key hazards include:
Damaging wind gusts strong enough to knock down tree limbs and power lines
Large hail that could dent cars and damage crops
Heavy rainfall in some pockets, causing reduced visibility on roads
Commuter and Travel Disruptions Possible
Since the storms are expected to continue into the early morning hours Friday, the morning commute could be affected, especially around the Twin Cities. Motorists should:
Check weather apps or local forecasts before leaving
Drive slower on wet roads
Watch for downed branches or debris
Allow extra travel time
How to Prepare Tonight
Even if skies look calm before bedtime, take these precautions before heading to sleep:
Secure patio furniture, umbrellas, or anything that could blow away
Charge phones and backup power banks in case of outages
Make sure emergency weather alerts are turned on
Keep a flashlight handy in case of power cuts during the night
When Will It End?
The severe weather threat is expected to taper off by late Friday morning, as the cold front exits Minnesota. However, the National Weather Service says additional updates are possible overnight if storm strength increases.
