A very unstable atmosphere combined with ample wind shear to result in the development of storms with large hail, severe winds, a tornado, and very heavy rainfall from Alexandria to Lake Mille Lacs...then southeast along Interstate 94.
Initially, a severe thunderstorm developed near Fergus Falls during the afternoon of Sunday, July 12th.  As the afternoon progressed, several severe thunderstorms developed south toward Wheaton, then spread east-southeast toward Alexandria. One severe storm moved rapidly eastward across the Todd, Wadena county line and eventually produced a tornado and widespread straight-line wind damage. This tornado moved from Wadena County and into Todd County, destroying a barn south of Aldrich and causing numerous downed trees and power lines. The tornado was accompanied by damaging rear flank downdraft and downburst winds, and the same storm produced wind damage in northwest Morrison County.
Severe storms moved into the area west of Alexandria and produced winds greater than 80 mph in some locations.  Near Brandon, there was structural damage to a large shed, a large pontoon boat was flipped on Maple Lake, and there were numerous downed trees and power lines.
Severe storms merged in west central and central Minnesota and then developed more into a line of storms and produced periodic downed trees, power lines, and occasional estimated winds of 60-70 mph as the storms moved southeast along Interstate 94 and into the Twin Cities metro area. Damage was not as widespread after it moved out of central Minnesota and into east central Minnesota, due to less wind shear and instability.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:18:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORADA
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A pontoon boat was thrown and flipped over on Maple Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:50:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: STAPLES
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Downburst damage was noted north of the tornado track. Initially, wooden poles were leaning and several oak and pine trees were snapped, and this is where the strongest winds were noted. As the downburst entered Staples, dozens of large trees were uprooted and many large branches were broken from Airport Rd to the east side of town. Winds across Staples were estimated in the 60-70 mph range.

Thunderstorm Wind in POPE, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 19:28:00 to 12-JUL-15 19:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: VILLARD
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several large trees were blown down south of Villard.

Thunderstorm Wind in ISANTI, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:20:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMBRIDGE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A large tree was blown down near Cambridge.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 23:00:00 to 12-JUL-15 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAKOPEE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A large tree was blown down in Shakopee.

Hail in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 21:40:00 to 12-JUL-15 21:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: DELANO
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:12:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Power lines were blown down northeast of Garfield.

Thunderstorm Wind in POPE, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 19:30:00 to 12-JUL-15 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: VILLARD
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Large trees were uprooted in Villard.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHISAGO, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:50:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH BRANCH
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down near North Branch.

Thunderstorm Wind in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:00:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KIMBALL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A large tree limb was blown down in Kimball.

Thunderstorm Wind in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:00:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALBANY
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down in Albany.

Thunderstorm Wind in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:00:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST JOSEPH
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A traffic signal was damaged in St. Joseph.

Thunderstorm Wind in ISANTI, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:10:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRAHAM
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A large tree was uprooted near Braham.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:47:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEWITT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A damage survey revealed that a rear flank downdraft (RFD) accompanied a tornado, and produced tree damage to the south of the tornado track.  Numerous trees were tipped over and large branches were broken.  Once the tornado dissipated about two miles west of Staples, the RFD broadened out and swept across the south side of Staples, where it continued to topple dozens of trees. The last damage noted from the RFD was southeast of Staples. Several outbuildings were damaged, and trees fell across many vehicles.

Thunderstorm Wind in MEEKER, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 21:40:00 to 12-JUL-15 21:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: DASSEL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was blown across a road north of Dassel.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:38:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARISSA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees and power lines were blown down near Clarissa.

Thunderstorm Wind in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 21:48:00 to 12-JUL-15 21:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOWARD LAKE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Three large trees blown down, with some crop damage on County Road 30 near Howard Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:45:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HASTY
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A local Minnesota Department of Transportation RWIS wind sensor measured a severe wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:38:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEWITT
Magnitude: 85.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several hardwood trees were snapped, six wooden power poles were snapped, and an irrigation system was tipped over.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:48:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWERVILLE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees and power lines were blown down near Browerville.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:35:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: BERTHA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several large trees and power lines were blown down near Bertha.

Thunderstorm Wind in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:30:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEWITT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees and power lines were blown down along Highway 210 near and west of Hewitt.

Tornado in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:48:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEWITT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado moved out of Wadena County (where it was rated EF2) and into Todd County.  A barn was collapsed just south of Aldrich, with roofing material blown 1/2 mile downwind. Dozens of trees were broken or uprooted in this area. Several wooden power poles were snapped. An outbuilding was also destroyed. Farther east, an outbuilding was destroyed along with a roof partially blown off near the intersection of 500th street and 223rd Avenue, just northwest of Dower Lake.  Significant tree damage was noted on the northeast side of Dower Lake, and concentrated damage continued in a path to about two miles west of Staples. Separate entries have also been made for numerous trees blown down due to the rear flank downdraft and downbursts north of the tornado track.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:09:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large pine trees were uprooted along Interstate 94 south of Garfield.

Hail in DAKOTA, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 22:57:00 to 12-JUL-15 22:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAGAN
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in SHERBURNE, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 21:40:00 to 12-JUL-15 21:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIG LAKE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A large tree blew down onto a power line on Riverview Drive in Monticello.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:08:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several large trees were blown down west of Garfield, along County Road 82.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 23:10:00 to 12-JUL-15 23:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARYSTOWN
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few large trees were blown down near Prior Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:03:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: EVANSVILLE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A local newspaper had several large trees blown down in Evansville.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHISAGO, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:55:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALMELUND
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down in Amador Township, near Almelund.

Hail in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:00:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EVANSVILLE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Thunderstorm Wind in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 19:20:00 to 12-JUL-15 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOWLUS
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A measured wind gust of 70 knots was reported by a trained spotter with a mobile anemometer.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:05:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRANDON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several large trees were uprooted in Brandon.

Hail in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:06:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: EVANSVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Thunderstorm Wind in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:00:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOTLEY
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down in the far northwest portion of Morrison County.

Thunderstorm Wind in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 19:45:00 to 12-JUL-15 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST CLOUD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trees were blown down in St. Cloud.

Thunderstorm Wind in MILLE LACS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:05:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: ONAMIA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down in the city of Onamia.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 18:08:00 to 12-JUL-15 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A large shed under construction was partially destroyed. The damage occurred on Halverson Road, south of County Road 82, east of Brandon.

Thunderstorm Wind in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 21:58:00 to 12-JUL-15 21:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: KNAPP
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A large tree was blown down in the southern part of French Lake Township.

Thunderstorm Wind in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 19:53:00 to 12-JUL-15 19:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAUK CENTRE ARPT
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A wind sensor at the Sauk Centre Airport measured a severe wind gust. A number of trees were blown down in Sauk Centre.

Thunderstorm Wind in KANABEC, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:16:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORA ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A wind sensor at the Mora Airport measured a severe wind gust.  Several trees were reported down in Mora.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 17:45:00 to 12-JUL-15 17:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MELBY
Magnitude: 81.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A hardwood tree was snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHISAGO, MINNESOTA
From 12-JUL-15 20:35:00 to 12-JUL-15 20:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUSH CITY MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees and power lines were blown down in Rushseba Township, northeast of Rush City.