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Strong storms were headed towards Minnesota on Monday afternoon, bringing the risk of significant wind damage, large hail and isolated tornadoes through the evening.
A derecho is possible across central and southern Minnesota as part of the storms. Wind gusts over 75 mph are possible, along with heavy rain and embedded tornadoes within the line.
The action comes as parts of the state are still recovering from powerful storms Sunday night into early Monday morning that knocked out power to tens of thousands of people and caused flooding, downed trees and more.
This is a developing story.
Risk level expanded in Minnesota
The National Weather Service reports there is a moderate risk (level 4 of 5) for severe weather in southwestern and west-central Minnesota including Mankato as of about noon.
An enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) includes Minneapolis and Rochester, and a slight risk (level 2 of 5) is highlighted for the area north of St. Cloud.
What is a derecho?
According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is a widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with a fast-moving group of severe thunderstorms, typically forming in a line known as a squall line. These storms can produce straight-line winds that are as damaging as tornadoes and Category 1 hurricanes, but without the rotating structure.
Derechos can last for hours and span hundreds of miles. For example, one derecho event stretched over 600 miles and lasted about 10 hours.
The sheer size and duration of these events pose a significant risk to people and property. Unlike tornadoes, which are more localized, derechos can impact entire regions and span multiple states.
These storms can also move very quickly — at speeds of 50 to 75 mph — and produce straight-line wind gusts exceeding 75 mph. In some cases, wind gusts have been recorded at up to 100 mph. Heavy rains and embedded tornadoes within the storm line are also possible.
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