Tornado Warning in Minneapolis: May 15, 2025 Storms Cause Power Outages and Damage | NEWSDRIFT

On May 15, 2025, a powerful storm system triggered a tornado watch across central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, leading to tornado warnings, power outages, and confirmed damage in several areas, including the Twin Cities metro. In this video, we break down the timeline of events, including the confirmed tornado near Benson, the tornado warning in downtown Minneapolis, and the severe weather threats that impacted cities like St. Cloud, Willmar, Brainerd, and Eau Claire.

⚠️ Key Highlights:

Tornado watch issued for 35 counties in Minnesota and 20 in Wisconsin

Tornado warning in Minneapolis around 2:25 PM

Over 2,500 people affected by power outages in the Twin Cities

Confirmed tornado reported southwest of Benson, MN

Heavy rain, damaging winds, and large hail reported across the region

Stay informed and prepared during severe weather. Watch now for a full recap of the May 15 Minnesota tornado and storm damage.

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Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin faced a significant and dangerous weather situation on May 15, 2025. This video will take you through the timeline and impact of the storms, including tornado watches, warnings, and confirmed damage across the region.

A tornado watch was issued early in the day for a wide area, stretching across central Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. This watch remained in effect until 8 p.m. and covered dozens of counties, including the entire Twin Cities metro area. Residents were advised to stay alert and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. The primary threats identified included the possibility of a few tornadoes, large hail, and wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour.

As the afternoon progressed, the situation became more serious. Around 2:25 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for downtown Minneapolis. Sirens sounded across the city, and many residents took cover. Although no funnel clouds or tornadoes were visually confirmed in Minneapolis at that time, the storm system was intense enough to cause power outages across the metro area. Over 2,500 customers were reported to be without electricity as a result of the strong winds and lightning.

Earlier in the day, at around 1:15 p.m., a tornado was confirmed southwest of Benson in Swift County, approximately 120 miles west of the Twin Cities. A trained weather observer reported the tornado on the ground, making it the first confirmed tornado of the day. This event highlighted the serious nature of the storm system as it moved eastward through the state.

Throughout the day, multiple counties across both Minnesota and Wisconsin remained under tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings. Cities such as St. Cloud, Willmar, Red Wing, Brainerd, and Eau Claire were all on high alert. The storms brought with them heavy rainfall, the risk of flash flooding, large hail, and damaging winds, in addition to the tornado threat.

In Madison, Wisconsin, the temperature reached a sweltering 89 degrees, with mostly cloudy skies and extreme humidity. These conditions added fuel to the developing storm cells. Forecasters warned that afternoon thunderstorms could be severe, potentially producing torrential downpours, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

Meteorologists urged people across the affected areas to remain indoors, avoid travel, and monitor local news and weather alerts. Weather alert radios and mobile alerts played a crucial role in keeping residents informed throughout the day. For those without access to television or internet, devices like the Midland Weather Alert Radio and the ER40 Emergency Crank Radio provided critical life-saving updates.

The storms on May 15 serve as a stark reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop in the Upper Midwest during the spring and summer months. Emergency officials stress the importance of having a safety plan, especially when tornado watches and warnings are issued. Knowing where to seek shelter, staying tuned in to weather updates, and reacting quickly can make all the difference.

As of the most recent updates, damage assessments were ongoing in areas affected by the confirmed tornado near Benson, as well as across the Twin Cities where power outages and wind damage were reported. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been confirmed so far.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and always take weather warnings seriously. For the latest updates, continue to follow your local news stations and the National Weather Service. Thanks for listening, and we’ll keep you informed as more information becomes available.