Updraft: June 6, 2008 Archive

Tip of the flame

Posted at 8:15 AM on June 6, 2008 by Craig Edwards

Cloud cover hanging around through much of Thursday was a mixed blessing. Lack of sunshine prevented the atmosphere from heating up and boiling over in Minnesota.

A very strong and dynamic weather system for June produced over four hundred reports of nasty weather in the Nation's mid section. Hail and gusty winds swept through the Twin Cities metro in the late afternoon.

Reports of severe weather as recorded by the Storm Prediction Center

Rainfall amounts of near an inch were measured in a number of locations. More than two inches of rain soaked the campus of St. Cloud State University.
CE

No Tornadoes But Plenty of Rain

Posted at 8:27 AM on June 6, 2008 by Mark Seeley

The severe weather threat forecasted by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center for Thursday evening June 5th held up for states such as SD, NE, and IA, but for us in Gopher land it produced mostly widespread precipitation and some thunderstorm winds of 50 mph.

Welcome rains occurred in portions of the Red River Valley with many observers reporting 1 inch to 1.25 inch amounts. Even heavier rainfalls were reported in some parts of north-central and northeastern Minnesota. Brainerd reported 2.29 inches, Embarrass 1.70 inches, Duluth 2.12 inches, Grand Portage 3.04 inches, and Grand Marais 4.96 inches. The heavy rains at Grand Marais produced a flash flood warning.

This is likely not the end, but the beginning of a wet and warmer period during June that will see abundant rainfall dominate across much of the state.

Hubbard county tornado

Posted at 11:29 AM on June 6, 2008 by Paul Huttner

NWS reports a confirmed tornado touchdowns in Wadena and Hubbard counties this morning. There are several reports of damage, including a half mile wide swath from the eastern side of Park Rapids northward. It's too early to tell if this was one tornado or multiple tornadoes.

There are also reprts of homes damaged and cars in the ditch. Here are the latest reports from the Grand Forks NWS.

Menahga [Wadena Co, MN] public reports TORNADO at 09:25 AM CDT -- report from public relayed to law enforcement.

Menahga [Wadena Co, MN] law enforcement reports TORNADO at 09:29 AM CDT -- possible tornado damage observed near menahga.

3 E Park Rapids [Hubbard Co, MN] law enforcement reports TORNADO at 09:32 AM CDT -- confirmed touchdown with damage.

Park Rapids [Hubbard Co, MN] emergency mngr reports TORNADO at 09:35 AM CDT -- tornado produced widespread roof damage east side of park rapids.trees down cars in ditch 1 mile north of hwy 34 on cty road 4 near emmaville/lake george.trees down south of town. tornado moving to the northeast.

Park Rapids [Hubbard Co, MN] law enforcement reports TORNADO at 09:42 AM CDT -- one half mile wide path of destruction reported from park rapids northward.

Emmaville [Hubbard Co, MN] law enforcement reports TORNADO at 09:48 AM CDT -- several houses destroyed by tornado.

1 S Emmaville [Hubbard Co, MN] other federal reports TORNADO at 10:23 AM CDT -- heavy damage north and northwest side of pickerel lake.

The severe weather threat has passed for the metro, but northern Minnesota remains under as tornado watch until 4pm this afternoon. Stay tuned to Minnesota Public Radio for severe weather updates as they are issued.

PH