Tornadoes: What They Are and How They Form

Tornadoes: What They Are and How They Form

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can cause devastating damage, uprooting trees, destroying buildings, and hurling debris at high speeds. They typically form when warm, moist air near the ground meets cooler, drier air above, creating instability in the atmosphere. When this instability is combined with wind shear (changes in wind speed and direction with height), it can cause the air to rotate and form a tornado.

Tornadoes are classified by the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, ranging from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (most catastrophic), based on estimated wind speeds and related damage[5].

Recent Tornado Warnings and Activity in Minnesota

June 28–29, 2025:

- Multiple tornado warnings were issued across western and central Minnesota. A confirmed large tornado was reported on the ground near Canby, Minnesota, moving east at about 20 mph. Residents in Canby and nearby areas were urged to seek immediate shelter[4].

- A radar-indicated tornado warning was issued just west of Willmar, Minnesota, for Chippewa, Kandiyohi, and Swift counties, with storms moving east at 25 mph. These warnings highlighted the potential for both observed and radar-indicated tornadoes.

- A tornado watch covered parts of western Minnesota and extended into the west metro, including the Twin Cities, until 1 a.m., signaling that conditions were favorable for tornado development well into the night.

- Severe storms brought threats of hail, strong winds, and possible flooding, with the greatest tornado risk in the late afternoon and evening hours.

June 25, 2025:

- Tornadoes were confirmed in south central and southeast Minnesota as strong heating and high humidity created unstable conditions. Low-topped supercells developed and rotated, producing several tornadoes. The National Weather Service continues to analyze and update tornado tracks and damage reports from this event[5].

June 16, 2025:

- Multiple rounds of thunderstorms swept across Minnesota, with some storms producing tornadoes in west-central and northern parts of the state. Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding, and severe winds caused tree damage, especially in the St. Cloud area[3].

Safety and Preparedness

- Tornado Watch: Be alert; tornadoes are possible. Review emergency plans and stay tuned to weather updates.

- Tornado Warning: Take immediate action; a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows and exterior walls.

Minnesota residents are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts, especially during severe weather outbreaks, and have a plan for quick sheltering during tornado warnings.

Outlook

After the recent severe weather, high pressure is expected to bring calmer, sunnier weather to Minnesota early in the week. However, more storms and potential severe weather are possible as the Fourth of July approaches[1][2].

Citations:

[1] Several western counties are under a tornado watch until 1 a.m.; storms heading to metro area https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-weather-june-28-2025/

[2] Live updates on Minnesota weather: Tornadoes reported as storms track into Twin Cities https://www.fox9.com/weather/minnesota-weather-tropical-steamy-storms-possible-june-28

[3] Summary of the June 16, 2025 Tornado - National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/mpx/16June2025_Tornadoes

[4] Confirmed tornado on the ground in MN: 8:45 p.m. update - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRtur96NwPY

[5] Summary of the June 25, 2025 Tornadoes - National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/mpx/25June2025_Tornadoes

[6] Tornado outbreak and derecho of June 19–22, 2025 - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_outbreak_and_derecho_of_June_19%E2%80%9322,_2025

[7] Severe Weather Update (6/27/2025 at 10:30 p.m.) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9yYFQG1MZA

[8] 10 p.m. weather report for Saturday, June 28, 2025 - CBS Minnesota https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/next-weather-10-p-m-weather-report-for-saturday-june-28-2025/

[9] Twister Rips Apart Grain Silos - Videos from The Weather Channel https://weather.com/storms/tornado/video/severe-storms-rain-tornadoes-southern-minnesota