Tornado Watch Issued for Northern Iowa, Central and Southeast Minnesota, and Western Wisconsin

Strategic Insights -

A Tornado Watch has been issued for portions of Northern Iowa, Central and Southeast Minnesota, and Western Wisconsin by the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. The watch is effective from 325 PM to 1100 PM CDT on Monday, April 28, 2025. The primary threats include a few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes, widespread large hail, and scattered damaging winds.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
  • The watch area is approximately 65 statute miles east and west of a line from 95 miles north northeast of Minneapolis, MN to 20 miles southeast of Fort Dodge, IA.
  • Strong tornadoes are possible, in addition to very large hail and scattered damaging winds.
  • The Aviation Watch product is an approximation to the watch area, with the actual watch depicted by shaded areas.
  • The probability of 2 or more tornadoes is high (70%), and the probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes is moderate (60%).
  • The probability of 10 or more severe wind events is also moderate (60%), with a probability of 1 or more wind events exceeding 65 knots of moderate (30%).
  • The probability of 10 or more severe hail events is high (80%), with a probability of 1 or more hailstones exceeding 2 inches also high (80%).
  • The combined severe hail/wind probability is very high (95%).

Statistics:

  • Effective time: 325 PM to 1100 PM CDT, Monday, April 28, 2025
  • Watch area: approximately 65 statute miles east and west of a line from 95 miles north northeast of Minneapolis, MN to 20 miles southeast of Fort Dodge, IA
  • Probability of 2 or more tornadoes: 70%
  • Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes: 60%
  • Probability of 10 or more severe wind events: 60%
  • Probability of 1 or more wind events exceeding 65 knots: 30%
  • Probability of 10 or more severe hail events: 80%
  • Probability of 1 or more hailstones exceeding 2 inches: 80%

Sources:

  • US National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center
  • MIL-OSI Publisher Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled, or extended.