Despite the fact there was very little surface forcing, severe thunderstorms fired up across northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota on the evening of the 24th. A weak surface trough did extend from near Bismarck (ND) into the extreme northwest corner of Minnesota. Most of the thunderstorm activity was diurnally driven and associated with good upper jet support. Therefore most of the thunderstorms flared up in the very late afternoon and diminished around sunset.

Tornado in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 18:12:00 to 24-JUL-11 18:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESPELIE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This tornado was briefly viewed by spotters near Goodridge. A 10 inch diameter ash tree was snapped about four feet above the ground. Several sections of tin roofing were torn off of a house and numerous large tree branches were blown down in shelterbelts and groves. Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph.

Tornado in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 18:42:00 to 24-JUL-11 18:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSEWOOD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A brief touchdown in a open field was noted. Peak winds were estimated at 70 mph.

Funnel Cloud in PENNINGTON, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 19:00:00 to 24-JUL-11 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: THIEF RIVER FALLS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A persistent funnel cloud passed just east of the community of Thief River Falls during the Pennington County Fair.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 20:19:00 to 24-JUL-11 20:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLGA
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Very strong wind and wind driven hail completely stripped fields of their crops for about a one mile wide by six mile long path through northeast King and northwest Brandsvold townships. Numerous large tree limbs were torn down for an additional half mile wide on either side of the main damage corridor. At one farmstead, a chicken coop was overturned and roofing materials were ripped loose from the house and barn.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEARWATER, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 20:35:00 to 24-JUL-11 20:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAGLEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Public

A few large 3 to 5 inch diameter branches were broken down at a farmstead.

Hail in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 18:15:00 to 24-JUL-11 18:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESPELIE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 20:15:00 to 24-JUL-11 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC INTOSH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Several large tree branches were blown down.

Hail in MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 18:00:00 to 24-JUL-11 18:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWFOLDEN
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Public

Numerous quarter to ping pong ball sized hail fell along with very heavy rain.

Hail in POLK, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 19:25:00 to 24-JUL-11 19:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: FISHER
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 19:25:00 to 24-JUL-11 19:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: FISHER
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous mature trees were blown down in and around Fisher. Several fences were also damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 19:35:00 to 24-JUL-11 19:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: CROOKSTON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Large tree branches were blown down throughout Crookston. A door was also blown in at the Hugos grocery store. Wind speeds were estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, MINNESOTA
From 24-JUL-11 20:12:00 to 24-JUL-11 20:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: ERSKINE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Half a pine tree was blown down at St. John's cemetery. Other large branches blew down and blocked a road. Wind damage also affected several sections across southeast Lessor Township.