Tracking scattered severe storm potential today
First the good weather news.
Storms today across Minnesota do not look as widespread or potentially damaging as the severe storm wave that downed hundreds of trees and put hundreds of thousands in the dark without power Tuesday.
That said, there is a 'slight' risk for severe storms across Minnesota today. A higher 'enhanced' risk zone covers Iowa and the I-90 corridor in southern Minnesota.
NOAA's NAM 4 km model captures the trends. Scattered T-Storms form this afternoon in western Minnesota and move east, especially from the Twin Cities south. The highest probability window for storms in the Twin Cities appears to be between 4 pm and 8 pm tonight.
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Some tornado potential?
Though overall coverage and intensity of storms does not look as widespread as Tuesday, I am a little concerned about some of the potential tornado parameters coming into model runs this morning. If we get enough sunshine and things unfold just right, there may be enough low level wind shear for developing storms to go briefly tornadic late this afternoon and evening. NOAA models indicate a higher tornado potential somewhere near the southwest metro this evening.
Keep an eye out for possible severe storms later today.
Damage along I-90 corridor
Overnight storms in southern Minnesota did produce damage downing trees in the Austin and Albert Lea areas along the I-90 corridor. Here are some select storms reports from the La Crosse and Twin Cities NWS offices.
Albert LEA [Freeborn Co, MN] EMERGENCY MNGR reports TSTM WND DMG at 3:00 AM CDT -- TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN IN THE CITY OF ALBERT LEA. A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS TOOK A HIT FROM A TREE. TIME ESTIMATED.
Austin [Mower Co, MN] BROADCAST MEDIA reports TSTM WND DMG at 3:05 AM CDT -- SEVERAL REPORTS OF TREES DOWN IN THE AUSTIN AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
Low pressure churns eastward today and clears Minnesota Friday afternoon.
That sets us up for another mostly glorious weekend.
Keep an eye out for possible watches and warnings late this afternoon and evening.