MINNEAPOLIS — The Twin Cities are on edge, with meteorologists sounding the alarm about a potentially dangerous weather system barreling toward the region. As spring storms loom, officials are urging residents to dust off their emergency plans and prepare for what could be a rough couple of days. With forecasts pointing to large hail, damaging winds, and even a chance of tornadoes, the message from the National Weather Service is clear: don’t wait until the skies turn dark to get ready.
On April 27, the National Weather Service’s Twin Cities office issued a stark warning about two rounds of storms expected to hit between late Monday night and Tuesday evening. The first wave, likely arriving after midnight on April 28, could bring hail the size of golf balls, especially during the morning commute. But it’s the second round, expected Monday afternoon through evening, that’s got forecasters on high alert. If storms fire up as predicted, they could spawn strong tornadoes, particularly in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The agency flagged a “moderate risk” for severe weather, a rare designation that underscores the potential for chaos.
City officials aren’t taking chances. Minneapolis and St. Paul emergency management teams have been coordinating with state agencies to ensure shelters, power grids, and first responders are ready. On April 16, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety rolled out a severe weather preparedness campaign, urging locals to stock up on essentials like water, batteries, and non-perishable food. They’re also pushing residents to sign up for weather alerts on their phones and identify safe spots in their homes—ideally basements or interior rooms without windows.
The forecast has already disrupted daily life. Schools across Hennepin and Ramsey counties are weighing early dismissals for Monday, with some districts planning to shift to virtual learning if conditions deteriorate. Metro Transit is beefing up bus and light rail schedules to avoid stranding commuters if storms hit during rush hour. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is prepping road crews to clear debris and handle potential flooding, especially in low-lying areas prone to runoff.
For Twin Cities residents, this isn’t just another spring shower. The region’s seen its share of wild weather, and memories of past storms—like the 2010 tornado that tore through North Minneapolis—linger. Local hardware stores are reporting a surge in demand for flashlights, tarps, and generators as folks scramble to prepare. Community centers are handing out free sandbags in flood-prone neighborhoods, and the Red Cross is recruiting volunteers to assist with potential relief efforts.
The National Weather Service stresses that timing and location of the worst storms remain uncertain, but the ingredients for trouble are in place: a warm, humid air mass clashing with a powerful cold front. Forecasters say the “cap,” a layer of warm air aloft, could suppress storms in some areas but make them explosive where they do break through. Western Wisconsin, including Eau Claire and La Crosse, is also in the crosshairs, with similar preparations underway.
As the Twin Cities hunker down, officials are hammering home the need for a plan. That means knowing where to go, what to grab, and how to stay informed. With the potential for power outages and road closures, having a stocked emergency kit and a charged phone could make all the difference. For now, the region waits, eyes on the sky, hoping the worst passes them by.
The National Weather Service will issue updated forecasts throughout April 28. Emergency alerts are available through local radio, television, and mobile apps. Minneapolis and St. Paul have opened 24-hour hotlines for residents needing assistance with storm preparations.