Tornado Strikes Blue Earth County Amid Statewide Severe Storms
A tornado touched down in southwestern Blue Earth County late Monday evening. The National Weather Service confirmed the touchdown at 6:25 p.m.
Storm timeline
Severe storms developed across southern Minnesota beginning in the afternoon. An extreme tornado watch covered more than 10 counties starting about 3 p.m.
The watch was canceled just before 10 p.m. Strong winds from the storm lifted large amounts of dust. Eyewitness photos showed funnel clouds near Truman and Amboy.
Reported impacts
Local photographers captured the tornado near Truman and Amboy. Photo credits include Sarah Moore and Carol Johnson-Cease among others.
Hail fell in multiple locations. A second hail event occurred about eight miles north of Kenyon at 4:23 p.m.
Threat details
Forecast briefings warned of large hail up to two inches or baseball size. Damaging wind gusts were expected near 60 mph.
Forecasters said isolated tornadoes could not be ruled out. Conditions supported the potential for a strong tornado during peak hours.
Timing and areas of concern
Meteorologists outlined two key windows: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Storms were expected to intensify along I-35 and I-90 after 4 p.m.
Communities in the highest risk zone included Rochester, Austin, Albert Lea, Winona and La Crosse. Travel and evening activities faced quickly changing conditions.
Short-term forecast
Thunderstorms were expected to wind down Monday night. Skies should turn mostly cloudy with low temperatures near the low 50s.
Tuesday and Wednesday forecast call for milder, quieter weather. Expect a mix of sun and clouds across the region.
Safety and how to share images
Officials urged people to review severe weather plans and have multiple ways to receive alerts. If a warning is issued, move indoors and seek shelter immediately.
Filmogaz.com asked viewers to submit storm photos. Text images to (651) 392-1075 or email [email protected] for possible inclusion.
- Key concern: tornadoes across Blue Earth County and broader statewide severe storms.
- Peak threat window: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Main hazards: large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes.
