A slow-moving warm front across central Minnesota on July 2nd moved through northeast Minnesota during that night.  A cluster of severe thunderstorms developed across north-central Minnesota during the early evening of the 2ndand moved east through southern parts of the Iron Range and weakened as it spread into the Duluth area later on that night.  Widespread wind damage occurred with numerous downed trees. Thousands of customers were without power; some for many days.  A 49 year-old man drowned when the boat he was fishing from on Swan Lake capsized in the high wind and waves.  The highest measured gust with the storms was 61 mph at Cass Lake, however, unofficial reports put the wind gusts near 80 mph.  The  hardest hit area was in northern Cass County and Itasca County, along the U. S. Highway 2 corridor.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:14:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: COHASSET
Magnitude: 52.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Blown down trees measured 2 feet diameter at breast height.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:12:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLACKBERRY
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Large trees were blown down across roads.  This event, 70 knot (81 mph) hurricane force winds received widespread mention throughout numerous newspaper and news-letter articles throughout northeast Minnesota.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:45:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: REMER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

One large tree was brought down.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:01:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: CASS LAKE
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:40:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BALL CLUB
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread wind damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:45:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEER RIVER
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread wind damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:55:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: COHASSET
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread wind damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:15:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: COHASSET
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Large trees were snapped off in the middle.  Some minor inundation was also reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:14:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEEWATIN
Magnitude: 60.00 ES
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Many trees and power lines were blown down throughout town.  Winds estimated to be in excess of 60 mph were reported by the state fire marshal in town.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:14:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: NASHWAUK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Large trees were blown down and metal roofs were torn off.  Items for the July 4th festivities were blown all across the main street in town.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe wind damage occurred.  Many roads were closed and impassable because they were  blocked by fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Many streets and roads were impassable and closed due to downed large trees and power lines.  Extensive street flooding also took place.

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELCOR
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:02:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: WIRT
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:32:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RPDS SUGAR ARP
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The top of a 14-inch diameter tree was snapped off near Sugar Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:40:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELMER
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flash Flood in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread street flooding and some roads were under water throughout the Grand Rapids area.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:05:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe wind damage occurred, with many large trees uprooted and power lines down along 20 miles of US 2.  Sustained winds were well over 60 mph.

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:03:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOUNTAIN IRON
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOVEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Many trees and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:20:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: PENGILLY
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe wind damage occurred, with many large trees uprooted and power lines down along Route 169.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 20:10:00 to 02-JUL-12 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A large tree was blown down across Central Entrance.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:12:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

More than a dozen trees, each 8 inches in diameter, were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 20:10:00 to 02-JUL-12 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Two large trees were brought down just east of Cub Foods and Home Depot.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:25:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: TOIVOLA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe wind damage to trees.

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:05:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: VIRGINIA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:12:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELCOR
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:17:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: BALL CLUB
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous trees were blown down along the northwest side of Ball Club Lake.  Some of the trees were 30 inches in diameter.

Thunderstorm Wind in AITKIN, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:05:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILL CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Branches were blown down along MN 200 and US 169.

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:13:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELCOR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

The hail fell at Gilbert Campground.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:35:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: HIBBING
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread wind damage occurred with many trees uprooted and snapped-off.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:25:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLOODWOOD
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

There was widespread severe wind damage to trees.

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:15:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELCOR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail fell across downtown Gilbert.  The storm also resulted in measured 54 mph winds and a rainfall of 1.88 inches.  The storm continued between 8 and 10 PM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:51:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees were blown down at the intersection of County Highway 35 and Route 6.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:10:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: CASS LAKE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe tree damage was reported along US 2.  Trees were either blown down or leaning toward toward the east and southeast.  Minor structural damage was also noted.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:25:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: CASS LAKE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe tree damage was reported along US 2.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:56:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEER RIVER ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were blown down across Highway 46.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:25:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread severe wind damage was reported along the eastern shore of Lake Winnibigoshish.

Hail in LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 17:45:00 to 02-JUL-12 17:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEAVER BAY
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Lots of dime-size hail fell, with a few golf ball size hailstones mixed in.  Heavy rain amounted to 0.80 inches.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARCELL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees were blown down at a campground south of town.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:10:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees fell on cars across the downtown area.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:20:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: PENGILLY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roy Jasper Flug of Goodland MN, drowned when the boat he was fishing from on Swan Lake capsized in the high wind and waves that developed due to the thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:20:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALKER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Sporadic wind damage occurred, with a few medium size trees snapped off.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:25:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHIPHOLT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Sporadic wind damage occurred, with a few medium size trees and large branches snapped off.

Thunderstorm Wind in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:10:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: (GPZ)GRAND RAPIDS AR
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Thunderstorm Wind in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 18:40:00 to 02-JUL-12 18:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONGVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Sporadic wind damage occurred, with a few large trees blown down and large branches snapped off.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 02-JUL-12 19:50:00 to 02-JUL-12 19:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROOKSTON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

There was widespread severe wind damage to trees.