The morning of Monday, July 11th, two waves of thunderstorms moved across west central and central Minnesota. Very heavy rainfall and isolated hail occurred with the main area of storms. But these storms also produced a wide area of one half to two inches of rain by sunrise.
The morning two events set the stage for flooding in central Minnesota as several additional waves of thunderstorms developed during the afternoon, and into the evening. By Tuesday morning, a wide area of three to six inches of rain fell from north of St. Cloud to Milaca and Mora. The highest totals were across northern Kanabec County where locally six to eight inches fell based on radar estimation. The Rum, Snake and Knife rivers spilled out of their banks and caused significant and widespread flooding.
A secondary point related to this flooding event was that according to the Minnesota State Climatology Office, this storm, which continued into the morning hours of July 12th, was the largest mega-rain event since the Duluth flood of June 19-20, 2012. A mega-rain event is classified as a six-inch rainfall that covers at least a 1000 square miles, with a central core value of at least 8 inches.
The secondary wave in the morning, weakened by the early afternoon. An isolated thunderstorms developed near Litchfield where an outflow boundary held from the previous morning storms.  These storms moved slowly northward and produced three tornadoes along this boundary. The first tornado occurred near Litchfield, the second near Watkins, and the third north of Watkins.
The tornado near Litchfield was rated an EF-2 with peak winds of 115 mph. It had a maximum width of 100 yards and traveled approximately 3.1 miles. The tornado caused a lot of tree damage, though three single family homes received significant roof damage, and a double wide manufactured home, and garage were flipped and rolled. Another garage and shed were destroyed near Highway 12 on the north side of town.
The tornado near Watkins was also rated an EF-2 with peak winds of 125 mph. It had a maximum width of 400 yards and traveled approximately 2.1 miles. One injury occurred with this tornado. The first significant damage was to a business along Highway 55 on the south side of town. The tornado then tracked across the highway and passed through the St. Anthony Cemetery before passing through the center of Watkins doing damage to structures and many trees. The most significant damage occurred between Stearns Ave and Meeker Ave where several homes had significant roof damage, and had detached sheds, and garages destroyed. The tornado exited the town and did further tree damage at a farmstead outside of town before lifting shortly thereafter.
The tornado north of Watkins was rated an EF-1 with peak winds of 105 mph. It had a maximum width of 250 yards and traveled approximately 4.2 miles. This tornado was spawned by the same storm that moved through Watkins. Multiple chaser videos showed the Watkins tornado lifted off the ground as it became occluded, with this tornadoes touchdown point made visible by the presence of corn laid down in the field south of the first homestead hit. This was about two-thirds of mile north- northeast of where the Watkins tornado lifted. At the first farmstead hit, two open air cattle sheds where completely destroyed, along with a metal storage shed and two mostly empty grain bins. There were two cattle killed at this location as well. This storm destroyed more outbuildings at a farmstead along 160th street, with the rest of the damage along the path of the tornado being corn laid flat and tree damage.

Heavy Rain in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SARTELL
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A measured rainfall report of 5.50 inches occurred near Sartell.

Heavy Rain in MILLE LACS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PAGE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A measured rainfall report of 4.28 inches occurred north of Page.

Funnel Cloud in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:48:00 to 11-JUL-16 19:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Heavy Rain in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter measured 4.77 inches of rainfall 8 miles southeast of Hillman from two waves of thunderstorms.

Hail in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 20:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in KANABEC, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 13:35:00 to 11-JUL-16 13:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: KROSCHEL
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Tornado in MEEKER, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 16:25:00 to 11-JUL-16 16:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: LITCHFIELD
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado near Litchfield was rated an EF-2 with peak winds of 115 mph. It had a maximum width of 100 yards and traveled approximately 3.2 miles. The tornado caused a lot of tree damage, though three single family homes received significant roof damage, and a double wide manufactured home, and garage were flipped and rolled. Another garage and shed were destroyed near Highway 12 on the north side of town.

Tornado in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 16:58:00 to 11-JUL-16 17:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST NICHOLAS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado north of Watkins in Stearns County was rated an EF-1 with peak winds of 105 mph. It had a maximum width of 250 yards and traveled approximately 4.0 miles. This tornado was spawned by the same storm that moved through Watkins. Multiple chaser videos showed the Watkins tornado lifted off the ground as the parent storm became occluded, and a new tornado developed shortly thereafter, with its touchdown point made visible by the presence of corn laid down in a field south of the first homestead hit. This was about two-thirds of a mile north-northeast of where the Watkins tornado lifted. At the first farmstead to be hit, two open air cattle sheds were completely destroyed, along with a metal storage shed and two mostly empty grain bins. There were two cattle killed at this location as well. This storm destroyed more outbuildings at a farmstead along 160th street, with the rest of the damage along the path of the tornado being corn laid flat and tree damage.

Heavy Rain in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELROSA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A measured rainfall report of 4.20 inches occurred near Elrosa.

Heavy Rain in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELGRADE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A trained spotter measured 4.00 inches of rainfall near Belgrade.

Heavy Rain in BENTON, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAUK RAPIDS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A measured rainfall report of 5.00 inches occurred in Sauk Rapids.

Heavy Rain in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 04:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A  measured rainfall report of 3.97 inches occurred south of Hillman.

Flash Flood in KANABEC, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:30:00 to 11-JUL-16 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WARMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Several waves of thunderstorms on Monday, July 11th, from the early morning, through the evening, caused rainfall amounts in excess of 3 to locally 5-7 inches. This caused several roads to close in Kanabec County, including Mahogany Avenue at 300th Avenue and 310th Avenue. Several pictures from social media indicated how widespread the flooding was, and included some people canoeing down county roads to get to stores. This area is also near the headwaters of the Snake River which crested above flood stage east of Kanabec County.

Flash Flood in MILLE LACS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:30:00 to 11-JUL-16 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORESTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several pictures from the general public and trained spotters showed flooded roadways due to excessive rainfall in portions of Mille Lacs County. Several waves of thunderstorms on Monday, July 11th, from the early morning, through the evening, caused rainfall amounts in excess of 3 to locally 5-7 inches.

Flash Flood in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A Morrison County engineer said the county closed County Road 234 in multiple spots, and County Road 254 at Minnesota Highway 25. County Road 244 was also closed after a large box culvert washed out, which was likely the most expensive occurrence of damage to the county from the flooding, according to the engineer. Most of these county roads were along Skunk, Hillman and Little Mink Creeks, as well as the Platte River near the Crow Wing county border.

Flash Flood in BENTON, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUM RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Benton County road crews said that numerous gravel roads washed out, and many others were under water due to excessive rainfall Monday Evening, July 11th.
The north and west parts of the county were hit the hardest. Benton County Road 4 was closed near Popple Creek due to the Elk River being over the bridge.

Funnel Cloud in ISANTI, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 15:58:00 to 11-JUL-16 15:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: OXLIP
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A funnel was caught on video close to the ground near Marget Lake, but it could not be determined whether it touched down.

Hail in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 10:03:00 to 11-JUL-16 10:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORRIS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 10:40:00 to 11-JUL-16 10:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: SARTELL
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

There were several reports of nickel size hail around Sartell.

Hail in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 12:15:00 to 11-JUL-16 12:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST STEPHEN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in KANABEC, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 13:25:00 to 11-JUL-16 13:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:39:00 to 11-JUL-16 19:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAPLE LAKE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 19:50:00 to 11-JUL-16 19:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 20:00:00 to 11-JUL-16 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Tornado in MEEKER, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 16:52:00 to 11-JUL-16 16:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATKINS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado near Watkins was also rated an EF-2 with peak winds of 125 mph. It had a maximum width of 400 yards and traveled approximately 2.1 miles. One injury occurred with this tornado. The first significant damage was to a business along Highway 55 on the south side of town. The tornado then tracked across the highway and passed through the St. Anthony Cemetery before passing through the center of Watkins doing damage to structures and many trees. The most significant damage occurred between Stearns Ave and Meeker Ave where several homes had significant roof damage, and had detached sheds, and garages destroyed. The tornado exited the town and did further tree damage as the tornado moved northeast into Stearns County.

Funnel Cloud in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 17:16:00 to 11-JUL-16 17:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

This funnel was from the same storm that produced the Litchfield, Watkins, and rural Watkins tornadoes. Numerous storm chasers, spotters and law enforcement officers were watching the funnel, with no indication that it touched down.

Funnel Cloud in KANDIYOHI, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 18:03:00 to 11-JUL-16 18:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAWICK
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A funnel cloud was reported at the intersection of Highway 4 and 55, just northwest of Paynesville.

Funnel Cloud in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 18:22:00 to 11-JUL-16 18:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSCOE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A funnel cloud was reported 4 miles east of Paynesville, over Rice Lake, near Triple T Road.

Tornado in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 16:56:00 to 11-JUL-16 16:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST NICHOLAS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This is the continuation track of the Watkins tornado in Meeker County as it moved northeast and dissipated near County Road 143rd. As the tornado moved into Stearns County a farmstead outside of town was hit before lifting shortly thereafter. While in Stearns County, this tornado was rated an EF0 with maximum winds of 65 mph and a width of 100 yards, but when it was in Meeker County, it was rated EF2.

Funnel Cloud in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 11-JUL-16 18:22:00 to 11-JUL-16 18:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: RICHMOND
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager