Minnesota is no stranger to severe weather, as its position in the Upper Midwest places it directly in the path of powerful storm systems each year. A significant number of tornadoes occur across the state, threatening communities from the southwestern prairies to the Twin Cities metro area. Understanding the frequency and severity of these events is a necessity for residents. The question of when the last tornado touched down reflects immediate concern following any active severe weather season.
Identifying the Most Recent Event
The most recently confirmed tornadoes in Minnesota occurred on Sunday, June 29, 2025, as part of an overnight severe weather outbreak. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed four tornadoes touched down in Carver County, located in the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area. The most intense was an Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale rating of EF-1, tracked near Lake Waconia. This EF-1 produced estimated peak winds between 85 and 95 miles per hour, causing damage primarily to trees and power lines. Two other tornadoes were rated EF-1, while a fourth received a preliminary rating of EF-0. These overnight events are particularly hazardous due to reduced visibility.
Minnesota’s Tornado Climatology
Minnesota’s location at the northern edge of Tornado Alley contributes to consistent annual tornado activity. The state experiences an average of 46 tornadoes each year, based on 1991 to 2020 data. The primary season runs from May through September, though tornadoes have been recorded as early as March and as late as December. The peak frequency occurs during the summer months of June and July. This is when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler air masses from Canada. This intersection creates the atmospheric instability and vertical wind shear necessary for tornadic thunderstorm development.
Notable Historical Tornadoes
While most tornadoes are weaker, Minnesota has a history of devastating, high-impact events. One of the most significant was the Twin Cities Tornado Outbreak on May 6, 1965. Six tornadoes impacted six counties around the metro area, including four rated F4 on the old Fujita scale. The outbreak resulted in 13 fatalities and over 500 injuries, with two F4 tornadoes hitting the suburb of Fridley within 90 minutes. Financial damage reached $51 million at the time. A more recent large-scale event was the June 17, 2010, outbreak, which saw 48 tornadoes touch down across the state in a single day. This outbreak included three tornadoes that reached EF-4 intensity, causing significant damage in communities like Wadena and resulting in three fatalities.
Preparedness and Warning Systems
The National Weather Service (NWS) uses two types of alerts to communicate the danger of severe weather to the public. A Tornado Watch indicates that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in or near the watch area. This alert is issued hours in advance and signals a time for citizens to review emergency plans and check supplies.
A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted by a trained spotter or is strongly indicated on weather radar, signifying an imminent threat. When a warning is issued, immediate action is required to seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. Residents should have multiple ways to receive these alerts, such as a NOAA weather radio, smartphone apps, or local media, since outdoor sirens may not be audible indoors.