Severe Thunderstorm Watch Covers Northeast Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin and Lake Superior
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect this afternoon and evening for portions of Northeast Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin and Lake Superior, putting residents, boaters and travelers on alert for rapidly developing severe thunderstorms. The watch is scheduled to remain in effect until 10:00 p.m. CDT Tuesday, August 25. (Forth News)
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center says the primary threats include scattered damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph, large hail up to 1.5 inches and the possibility of a tornado or two. A few storms could become more organized, including potential supercells. (Severe Weather Outlook)
Areas Included in the Severe Thunderstorm Watch
The watch includes portions of:
- Northeast Minnesota
- Northwest Wisconsin
- Lake Superior
Communities across the region should remain weather-aware through the afternoon and evening as storms move eastward.
The National Weather Service Duluth office is also highlighting the potential for large hail and damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph across portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. (National Weather Service)
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Washburn and Sawyer Counties
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is also being highlighted for Central Washburn County in northwestern Wisconsin and Southwestern Sawyer County in northwestern Wisconsin.
Residents within the warned areas should take immediate precautions rather than waiting to see the storm approaching.
What to Watch For
Severe thunderstorms can produce:
- Damaging straight-line winds
- Large hail
- Frequent lightning
- Torrential rainfall
- Rapidly changing visibility
- Dangerous conditions for people outdoors
- An isolated tornado
If a warning is issued for your location, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows.
Special Weather Statement for Barron and Polk Counties
A Special Weather Statement is in effect for Northwestern Barron County and Northeastern Polk County, Wisconsin.
While a Special Weather Statement is different from a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, it can signal that storms or weather conditions deserve increased attention. Residents should continue monitoring radar and be prepared for an upgrade if storms strengthen.
Why These Storms Could Become Severe
Today’s storm environment is favorable for thunderstorms to intensify as atmospheric instability combines with changing wind conditions and a passing weather system.
As storms develop, stronger cells can rapidly strengthen and produce large hail and damaging wind gusts. Some storms may also develop rotation, which is why an isolated tornado threat remains part of the forecast.
Storms are expected to move across the region during the afternoon and evening, with the strongest activity potentially producing the most dangerous conditions. Local forecasters are calling for the greatest severe-weather concern across the Iron Range, Arrowhead and northern Wisconsin, with severe storms possible during the afternoon and evening. (https://www.northernnewsnow.com)
Lake Superior: Boaters Need to Stay Alert
The severe thunderstorm threat extends over portions of Lake Superior, creating an additional hazard for boaters.
Thunderstorms over open water can produce sudden wind shifts, dangerous waves, lightning and rapidly deteriorating visibility. A storm that appears distant can also move into a boating area quickly.
If you’re on Lake Superior and thunderstorms approach, seek safe shelter whenever possible. Do not remain on the water simply because the storm has not yet reached your immediate location.
Severe Thunderstorm Safety: What Residents Should Do
If You’re Under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Take action immediately:
- Go indoors and remain inside until the warning expires or local officials provide an all-clear.
- Stay away from windows during strong winds and hail.
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor if conditions become particularly dangerous.
- Keep your phone charged and enable emergency weather notifications.
- Never shelter beneath trees during thunderstorms.
- If driving, slow down and avoid flooded roadways and areas with poor visibility.
If a Tornado Warning Is Issued
If a tornado warning is issued, move to a basement or a small interior room on the lowest floor. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a helmet, sturdy blankets or cushions.
Do not wait until you can see a tornado. Tornadoes can be obscured by heavy rain, darkness or hail.
Radar Watch HQ Weather Update
The threat today is not simply about whether thunderstorms develop. Storm intensity can change quickly, particularly when storms interact with favorable atmospheric conditions.
For residents across Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, the best strategy is to stay ahead of the storm rather than react after severe weather arrives.
Because watches cover a broad area while warnings are issued for storms that are actively threatening specific locations, residents should continue monitoring updates even if their community is initially outside a warning.
Radar Watch HQ Final Thoughts
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch across Northeast Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin and Lake Superior means conditions are favorable for severe storms this afternoon and evening.
The greatest concerns are damaging winds, large hail and an isolated tornado, while thunderstorms may also create dangerous lightning and rapidly changing conditions.
Residents in Washburn County, Sawyer County, Barron County and Polk County should pay especially close attention to local warnings and radar trends.
Stay weather-aware, keep alerts enabled and act immediately when a warning is issued.
Stay Connected With Radar Watch HQ
Follow Radar Watch HQ for continuing severe-weather coverage, developing threats, weather alerts and updates across the United States. Check your local forecast frequently and have multiple ways to receive emergency warnings.
Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay safe.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
