MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Residents across southern Minnesota are picking up the pieces today after the first major severe weather event of 2026 unleashed a barrage of tornadoes and massive hail across the region on Monday afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed late Monday night that at least three tornadoes touched down as a powerful line of storms swept from southwest Minnesota into western Wisconsin.
Tornadoes Touch Down in Blue Earth and Martin Counties
The atmosphere, primed by unseasonable temperatures in the 70s and a stalled frontal boundary, turned volatile just after 4:00 PM.
- Amboy: A confirmed tornado was reported on the ground west of Amboy at 6:25 PM. It remained active for over 20 minutes, finally lifting around 6:46 PM. Initial reports indicate damage to at least one farm outbuilding.
- Truman: FOX Weather captured footage of another tornado hitting the town of Truman.
- Widespread Warnings: Tornado warnings stretched across Blue Earth, Martin, Watonwan, Rice, and Goodhue counties throughout the evening as rotation was detected in multiple storm cells.
Despite the intensity of the sightings, NWS officials reported as of 9:45 PM that there have been no significant reports of injuries or major structural damage to residential areas.
“Plowable” Hail: Storms Drop 3-Inch Ice Stones
While the tornadoes captured headlines, the sheer volume and size of the hail caused immediate chaos for local commuters.
In Faribault, the hail was so voluminous that authorities reportedly had to use plows to clear the streets. The NWS received multiple reports of “very large” hail, including:
- Teacup-sized (3 inches): Reported in Rice and Goodhue Counties.
- Tennis Ball/Egg-sized: Impacted areas near Cannon Falls and Wanamingo.
- Golf Ball-sized: Reported extensively through Northfield and Faribault.
“We had 3 confirmed tornadoes occur in southern MN and widespread hail up to 3 inches,” the NWS Twin Cities tweeted, thanking residents for the real-time reports that helped track the dangerous cell movement.
What’s Next: A Cooler Week Ahead
The severe threat has officially ended for the night, leaving behind patchy fog and overnight lows in the 40s. Here is the outlook for the rest of the week:
| Day | Forecast | High Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Mix of sun and clouds; cooler but mild | 60s |
| Wednesday | Showers and a few rumbles of thunder | 70s |
| Thursday | Warm and sunny | 75°F |
| Friday | Another round of rain and potential storms | Upper 70s |
| Weekend | Sharp cold front; rain likely Saturday | 40s–50s |
Did you witness the storms or capture photos of the hail? Share your updates and photos in the comments below to help neighbors stay informed on the cleanup!
