A strong cold front and upper low traversed the area during the afternoon and evening of May 12th. During the afternoon, a larger scale Derecho moved from northeastern Nebraska, through eastern South Dakota and into portions of far southeastern North Dakota and west-central Minnesota. Widespread strong to severe thunderstorms were observed, with large hail, tornadoes, and damaging wind gusts all being reported during this time.

Hail in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:44:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: WRIGHTSTOWN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

One inch hail was reported, as well as numerous 4 to 6 inch diameter tree branches and limbs were broken by a damaging wind gust.

Tornado in WADENA, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:51:00 to 12-MAY-22 19:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: VERNDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado crossed from far northwest Todd County around 7:52 pm, about 2.5 miles southwest of Verndale, MN. It tracked to the north until 8:11 pm where it lifted 5.5 miles east southeast of Sebeka, MN. It caused extreme damage which included numerous snapped power poles and numerous trees which were snapped or uprooted. Extensive damage was noted to farm buildings which had steel roofing and sidewall panels torn off, and turnkey barns and other industrial buildings lost roofing material. Peak winds estimated to 115 mph, with a maximum width of 500 yards.

Tornado in GRANT, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:07:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHARLESVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began around 7:07 pm half a mile southeast of Charlesville, MN and moved north by northeast until it lifted at 7:10 pm, 13 miles west of Elbow Lake, near North Ottawa. Several large ash and cottonwood tree limbs were broken down in shelterbelts. At least 2 wooden power poles were cracked and 2 others were leaning as a result of this storm. Estimated peak winds were 100 mph, equating to an EF1 rating with a path length of 3 miles.

Tornado in WILKIN, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:16:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: TENNEY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began at approximately 716 pm about 1 mile southwest of Tenney, MN, then tracked to the north where it lifted 3 miles north of Campbell, MN. This tornado was best marked by the trail of at least 23 power poles which were cracked or completely snapped along it's, route. Widespread tree damage and large steel grain bins at the Campbell elevator complex were partially caved in. Peak winds were estimated at 115 mph, equating to an EF2 rating. The path length was 9 miles.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:15:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHARLESVILLE
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind gust of 71 mph was measured at a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILKIN, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:18:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMPBELL
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Peak wind gust of 69 mph was measured at an NDAWN station at the 3 meter height.

Tornado in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:31:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: BATTLE LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began about 2 miles west southwest of Battle Lake, MN and tracked to the north until 7:34 pm where it lifted 2 miles north northeast of Battle Lake, MN. One single-wide trailer was flipped. Numerous spruce, poplar, and ash trees were snapped or uprooted. Metal roofing was blown off of storage near the airport. Peak winds were estimated at 100 mph, giving this tornado an EF1 rating, with a path length of 3.5 miles. A couple of power poles were also damaged along the path.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:33:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELIZABETH
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Pole shed roofing and trusses were torn up. Ash and spruce trees were broken. Time estimated based on radar and nearby wind sensor reports. A couple of nearby power poles were cracked.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:34:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: PARKERS PRAIRIE
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind of 60 mph was measured at a personal weather station. Reports from Otter Tail Power state that a couple of power poles were cracked or otherwise damaged in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:35:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLITHERALL
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind of 68 mph was measured at a personal weather station on the north central shore of West Battle Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:19:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHBY
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Two semi trucks were flipped over along Interstate 94. Time estimated based on nearby wind sensors.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:20:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WENDELL
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Empty grain bins were partially caved in at Lacey Ridge Farm.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:24:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTERN
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Roofing was torn off of a hay shed, two roadside power poles were snapped, and numerous large tree branches and limbs were broken at two farmsteads. Farmsteads were across the road from each other. Time estimated based on radar and nearby wind sensors.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:25:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTERN
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind gust of 67 mph was measured at a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:27:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: DALTON
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The south wall of a pole shed was blown in, with the roofing and roof trusses torn up. A couple of power poles in the area were cracked.

Tornado in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:40:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLITHERALL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began about 3 miles north northeast of Clitherall, MN as a waterspout on West Mason Lake and lasted for about a minute. The area showed several large 6-10 inch diameter tree branches broken along the north shore. Peak winds were estimated at 85 mph, giving this tornado an EF0 rating, with a path length of 1 mile.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:40:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: DENT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Public

A couple of healthy 7 inch diameter tree branches were broken near the community of Maine.

Funnel Cloud in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:48:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: WRIGHTSTOWN
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Report of a funnel cloud near the Otter Tail and Todd County line was relayed by dispatch.

Thunderstorm Wind in WADENA, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:55:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: VERNDALE
Magnitude: 82.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind of 94 mph was measured at a MN RWIS station. Widespread downburst wind damage was noted across Wadena and Aldrich Townships, with numerous large tree branches and limbs torn down, roofing material torn up, and spruce trees uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILKIN, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:28:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: DORAN
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A personal weather station measured a peak gust to 67 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILKIN, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:29:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRECKENRIDGE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several large ash, poplar, and spruce trees snapped or uprooted. Numerous Large branches and limbs broken. Power lines were down and shingles were blown off homes. Time estimated based on radar and nearby wind sensors.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:30:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FERGUS FALLS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Motel signage was blown in. Numerous large ash and spruce tree branches broken around town.

Thunderstorm Wind in BECKER, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 19:00:00 to 12-MAY-22 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHOREHAM
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind of 58 mph was measured at a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:30:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: (FFM)FERGUS FALLS AR
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Reported by: AWOS

A peak wind of 73 mph was measured at the Fergus Falls Airport /KFFM/ as reported on one minute observations.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 18:31:00 to 12-MAY-22 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: FERGUS FALLS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Billboard signage at the I-94 speedway was blown over. Metal supports bolted to concrete with bolts snapped. Numerous large tree branches and limbs broken.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAY, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 19:00:00 to 12-MAY-22 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BARNESVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind of 58 mph was measured at a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in WADENA, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 19:06:00 to 12-MAY-22 19:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLUE GRASS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Widespread downburst wind damage with large tree branches and limbs broken across the eastern half of Leaf River Township, and the western half of Wing River Township.

Thunderstorm Wind in WADENA, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 19:11:00 to 12-MAY-22 19:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLUE GRASS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Widespread downburst wind damage noted, with large tree branches and limbs broken across eastern Rockford and western North Germany Townships.

Funnel Cloud in BECKER, MINNESOTA
From 12-MAY-22 19:15:00 to 12-MAY-22 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIDWAY
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Funnel cloud viewed from 3 S Park Rapids, and reported as less than 1/4 of the way to the ground.