Storms Escalate with Tornadoes, 90 MPH Winds in Eastern Dakotas, West Minnesota — SevereWX

Thunderstorms are ramping up along a frontal boundary in the central Dakotas, packing wind gusts already hitting 60-70 mph and pushing eastward into the eastern Dakotas and western Minnesota through the overnight hours.

The Storm Prediction Center's latest Mesoscale Discussion (1055) flags an 80% chance of a new Tornado Watch downstream of the current WW294, as these storms organize into a linear mode favored by strong shear parallel to the front. Despite the bowing structure, expect embedded circulations that could spin up a couple of tornadoes, bolstered by a strengthening low-level jet veering winds southeasterly. This setup enlarges hodographs and boosts low-level spin potential.

Environment supports the punch: steep low-level lapse rates, MLCAPE of 2500-3000 J/kg, and surface temps in the 80s-90s F. Peak threats include EF2-EF3 tornadoes (100-125 mph), wind gusts to 75-90 mph, and hail up to 1.75 inches.

This extends the ongoing Plains severe weather pattern into late evening and predawn hours, impacting areas from eastern North and South Dakota into western Minnesota. WFOs including MPX, FGF, FSD, ABR, and BIS are in the loop.

Stay prepared: Review your severe weather plan, identify a safe shelter, keep devices charged for NOAA Weather Radio or app alerts, and act quickly on Tornado Warnings. Monitor SPC and local NWS for updates.