A Tropical and Stormy Day in Southeast Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The very warm air that was experienced in southeast Minnesota Tuesday contributed to pockets of severe weather that produced hail and damaging winds.

The National Weather Service says “ once the storms got going, they quickly became severe producing hail of +2 inches and damaging downburst winds. Along with the large hail and damaging winds, locally heavy rain accompanied many of the storms, resulting in urbanized street flooding at some locations. “

Rainfall totals across the region were generally less than an inch. Just over an inch fell in the Eyota area.  Totals of 1-3 inches were reported in the Austin area.

Most cities reported highs in the low to mid-90s. The hot spot was Austin with a high of 99 while nearby Albert Lea reached 95 degrees. Rochester’s high of 93 missed the record for June 2nd by one degree. It was also the warmest in the city since May 28, 2018, when the high was 95 degrees.

Severe weather also developed in south central Minnesota Tuesday where three suspected tornadoes were reported. Strong winds near the town of New Richland reportedly blew over a church steeple.