Fri May 16 15:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Midwest Braces for Multi-Day Severe Weather Threat, Tornadoes Possible**

**Minneapolis, MN –** A significant severe weather outbreak is forecast to impact a large swath of the Midwest over the next several days, with the potential for tornadoes, damaging hail, and destructive straight-line winds. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for residents of Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, and Blaine, Minnesota, urging them to remain vigilant.

According to The Weather Channel, the severe weather threat extends across a broad area, potentially spanning from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh, as indicated by a NOAA Storm Prediction Center forecast. Confirmed tornadoes have already touched down in Minnesota, including one that destroyed a barn on Thursday. A rotating wall of cloud prompted a tornado warning in Minneapolis and its northern suburbs.

The highest risk area, designated as a “red zone” on NOAA maps, encompasses much of Wisconsin, northeast Illinois, northern Indiana, western Michigan, and northwest Ohio. These areas face the greatest risk of severe weather late Thursday, including the potential for golf ball-sized hail. Isolated severe storms could reach as far east as the mid-Atlantic region.

On Friday, the severe storm outbreak is expected to shift south, impacting cities like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Kentucky, Nashville, and St. Louis. High winds, gusting over 75 miles per hour, could lead to power outages from southeast Missouri to southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and western and central Kentucky.

Scattered severe storms may extend eastward on Saturday, potentially impacting areas including New York and as far south as Houston. The severe weather pattern is expected to persist through Tuesday, with continued thunderstorm risks.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor weather updates, heed warnings from local authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

**Contact:**
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