Three simultaneous Tornado Warnings are active across the Brainerd Lakes region of north-central Minnesota this afternoon, as a line of violent storms sweeps east through Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties — the heart of one of Minnesota’s most popular summer resort destinations — bringing radar-indicated tornado rotation, 2-inch hail and an 80 mph “DESTRUCTIVE” wind threat.
TAKE COVER NOW: Three Tornado Warnings in Rapid Succession
The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued three active tornado warnings in quick succession for the same corridor:
Warning 0007 (until 12:45 PM CDT): Radar-indicated rotation 7 miles north of Leech Lake, moving east at 50 mph toward Federal Dam, Bena and Lake Winnibigoshish. Ping pong ball hail (1.5 inches) with this storm.
Warning 0006 (until 12:30 PM CDT): Tornadic thunderstorm over Pequot Lakes, 19 miles north of Brainerd, moving east at 50 mph toward Breezy Point and Crosslake.
Warning 0005 (until 12:15 PM CDT): Radar-indicated rotation over Nisswa, 12 miles northwest of Brainerd, moving east. This warning covers Brainerd, Baxter, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Gull Lake, Lake Shore, East Gull Lake, Merrifield and Mission.
“TAKE COVER NOW,” the Duluth NWS office ordered. “Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter.”
A “DESTRUCTIVE” Storm: 80 mph Gusts and 2-Inch Hail
Preceding the tornado warnings, the Duluth office issued a rare “DESTRUCTIVE” Severe Thunderstorm Warning — the highest-tier language in thunderstorm bulletins — for Cass, Crow Wing and Aitkin counties, including Brainerd, Baxter, Mille Lacs Lake, Crosby, Ironton, Aitkin, Hackensack and Pine River.
That bulletin carried 80 mph wind gusts and 2-inch hail, stating that “extensive tree damage and power outages are likely” and that mobile homes would be heavily damaged. The broader Severe Thunderstorm Watch 414 is in effect until 4 PM CDT for Aitkin, Crow Wing, Cass, Itasca, Koochiching, Carlton and St. Louis counties.
A Resort Region Simultaneously Under Heat and Tornado Threat
In a striking weather paradox, a Heat Advisory for Crow Wing, Aitkin and Cass counties with heat index values of 100 to 105°F was active from 9 AM to 8 PM CDT today — meaning vacationers who were outside…
Read full article: Major Tornado Warnings Issued Across Minnesota as Violent Storms Strike
The post “Major Tornado Warnings Issued Across Minnesota as Violent Storms Strike” by Luka Trcek was published on 06/29/2026 by www.travelinglifestyle.net