Tornado Watch Issued for Portions of Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, and Southwest Wisconsin

Strategic Insights -

Severe weather conditions have been forecasted to impact a significant portion of the upper Midwest, with a Tornado Watch issued for several states. The watch, effective from 1255 PM CDT, Thursday, June 26, 2025, to 800 PM CDT, includes areas in Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, and Southwest Wisconsin. The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated a moderate risk of tornadoes and damaging wind gusts, with scattered areas experiencing wind gusts of up to 70 mph. The watch area spans approximately 55 statute miles north and south of a line from Mason City, Iowa, to Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tornado watch is in effect for portions of Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, and Southwest Wisconsin, from 1255 PM CDT, Thursday, June 26, 2025, to 800 PM CDT.
  • Primary threats include a few tornadoes and scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph, potentially causing severe thunderstorms with hail and surface wind gusts to 60 knots.
  • Persons in the watch area are advised to remain vigilant and listen for later statements and possible warnings related to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
  • Aviation coordination is ongoing, with the watch area including major airports in the region.
  • The NWS has estimated a moderate probability of 2 or more tornadoes occurring in the area, with a low probability of strong tornadoes (EF2-EF5) and 10 or more severe wind events above 65 knots.

Statistics:

  • Tornado Watch Number 463 is currently in effect.
  • The watch area spans approximately 55 statute miles north and south of a line from Mason City, Iowa, to Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.
  • The probability of 2 or more tornadoes occurring is 25% (50% modulation).
  • The probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes is 10% (20% modulation).
  • The probability of 10 or more severe wind events above 65 knots is 35% (60% modulation).

Sources:

  • NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1255 PM CDT Thu Jun 26 2025 (Tornado Watch Number 463)
  • WOUS64 KWNS WOU3 (Watch Outline Update, including the watch area)