Nearly 90,000 people were given minutes to seek shelter on Monday afternoon when a tornado prompted National Weather Service (NWS) officials to issue an urgent warning.
“We are in our typical severe weather season,” NWS lead meteorologist Daniel Robinson told Newsweek. “Our peak season runs from mid-June through July.”
Reports and pictures of a tornado in parts of west-central Minnesota were shared with the Grand Forks, North Dakota, NWS office, although no damage has been reported so far.
Why It Matters
Much of the U.S. was battling some form of dangerous weather on Monday, with extreme heat plaguing the Southwest and flooding downpours hammering parts of the Northeast. Whereas some weather alerts can be issued hours or even days in advance, tornados are sudden and often arrive with little warning, meaning people usually only have minutes to take shelter.
People across parts of Minnesota were urged to take shelter on Monday afternoon, with those who were outdoors or in mobile homes particularly at risk for flying debris.
What to Know
On Monday afternoon around 4:20 p.m. local time, the Grand Forks, North Dakota, NWS office issued multiple tornado warnings for cities in Minnesota, including Southwestern Cass County, Northwestern Crow Wing Count, and Southeastern Otter Tail County. The warnings were scheduled to remain in effect for around 10 minutes.
Radar indicated tornadic rotation. Quarter-sized hail also posed a threat.
“TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,” the warning said.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely,” the warning added.
A tornado watch will remain in effect for much of central Minnesota through 9 p.m. local time. In addition, there is also a severe thunderstorm warning, severe weather statement, and hazardous weather outlook in place.
Hazardous weather outlooks were in place across many states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The outlooks warned of hail, damaging winds, and tornados.
What People Are Saying
Hazardous weather outlook issued by Grand Forks, North Dakota, NWS office: “Isolated thunderstorms will bring a threat for lighting through the early evening. Active pattern keeps daily thunderstorm chances in the forecast nearly each day this week. Strong to severe storms are possible.”
NWS Duluth, Minnesota, in a severe weather statement: “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
What Happens Next
Severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches remain active across parts of the state.
The post Nearly 90,000 People Given Minutes to Seek Shelter: ‘Take Cover Now!’ appeared first on Newsweek.
