2030 Winona tornado
 The tornado before crossing County Road 44 south of Winona | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | May 25, 2030, 7:41 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00) |
| Dissipated | May 25, 2030, 8:03 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00) |
| Duration | 22 minutes |
| EF4 tornado | |
| on the Enhanced Fujita scale | |
| Path length | 21.95 miles (35.33 km) |
| Highest winds | 180 mph (290 km/h) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 6 |
| Injuries | 34 |
| Damage | ≥$1.2 million (2030 USD) |
| Areas affected | Winona County in Minnesota, and Trempealeau County in Wisconsin, mainly the city of Winona, MN |
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| Part of the Tornado outbreak of May 25, 2030 and the Tornadoes of 2030 | |
The following is PRELIMINARY INFORMATION from NWS La Crosse! The survey is still ongoing, and the rating and damages within and beyond the city of Winona are preliminary, as these areas have yet to be fully surveyed or rated. Information is subject to change as data is released.
The 2030 Winona tornado was a powerful and destructive tornado that impacted Winona County, Minnesota, primarily the city of Winona, on May 25, 2030. It was part of a larger tornado outbreak across the Midwest on May 25 and the tornadoes of 2030.
The tornado touched down at 7:41 p.m. CDT on May 25, 2030, near Wyatville in Winona County, Minnesota, and tracked northeast for 21.95 miles (35.33 km) before dissipating near Centerville at 8:03 p.m. CDT. Rated as an EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale based on preliminary assessments of damage near Stockton, the tornado produced winds up to 180 mph (290 km/h) at that location. The city of Winona and areas beyond, including Bluff Siding and Centerville, have yet to be fully surveyed or rated, and the damages and intensity ratings in those areas remain preliminary and subject to change. The tornado resulted in 6 fatalities and 34 injuries, making it one of the deadliest tornadoes in the region in recent years.
Meteorological synopsis
On May 25, 2030, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma, issued a Day 1 Categorical Outlook at 0500Z (12:00 a.m. CDT), valid from 2200Z on May 25 to 1200Z on May 26 (5:00 p.m. CDT on May 25 to 7:00 a.m. CDT on May 26). The outlook identified a severe weather threat across portions of the Midwest, including Minnesota. An Enhanced Risk (ENH) was designated for southeastern Minnesota, including Winona County, with surrounding areas under a Slight Risk (SLGT) and a Marginal Risk (MRGL). The Enhanced Risk area indicated a potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, but the absence of a Moderate or High Risk suggests that the severity of the event may have been underestimated by forecasters.
The accompanying Day 1 Tornado Outlook, also issued at 0500Z, identified a 10% tornado probability (hatched) within the Enhanced Risk area, indicating a potential for EF2-EF5 tornadoes. This 10% probability zone covered parts of southeastern Minnesota, including the region where the Winona tornado would later form. The SPC noted that a volatile atmospheric setup, driven by a combination of warm, moist air from the south and a strong cold front moving through the region, created favorable conditions for supercell thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. High wind shear and instability were key factors in the development of the severe weather event. Given that the Winona tornado reached EF4 strength near Stockton, the Enhanced Risk designation likely underestimated the potential for such a significant tornado.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse issued tornado warnings for Winona County as the storm developed, with radar indicating rotation shortly before the tornado touched down at 7:41 p.m. CDT. The NWS survey is still ongoing, and further meteorological analysis will provide additional details on the atmospheric conditions that led to this event.
Development and track
Formation and initial intensification
The tornado developed on the evening of May 25, 2030, at 7:41 p.m. CDT near Wyatville in Winona County, Minnesota, within the area highlighted by the SPC as having a 10% tornado probability. It formed from a supercell thunderstorm that had been tracked by the NWS La Crosse, initially producing EF0 to EF1 damage as indicated by preliminary damage indicators (DIs). The tornado rapidly intensified as it moved northeast, reaching EF2 intensity between Wyatville and Stockton, then EF3, and peaking at EF4 strength with winds of 180 mph (290 km/h) near Stockton. Preliminary surveys indicate that this EF4 damage was concentrated in rural areas outside of Winona, affecting farmland and isolated structures.
Winona
After peaking near Stockton, the tornado began to weaken as it approached Goodview, dropping to EF3 intensity based on preliminary DIs. Before entering the city of Winona, the tornado rapidly shrank in size and windfield, further reducing its intensity. As it moved through Winona, the tornado caused damage to residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public infrastructure. However, the NWS La Crosse has not yet surveyed or rated the damage within Winona, so the intensity and extent of the impacts in the city remain preliminary and subject to change.
Weakening and dissipation
After passing through Winona, the tornado continued northeast through Bluff Siding and toward Centerville. The damage in these areas has not yet been surveyed or rated by the NWS La Crosse, so the tornado’s intensity during this phase remains unknown and preliminary. The tornado dissipated at 8:03 p.m. CDT near Centerville, having traveled 21.95 miles (35.33 km). The final phase of the tornado’s path will be better understood once the NWS completes its survey.
Impact
Damages
The 2030 Winona tornado caused widespread destruction in Winona County, with the most severe EF4 damage occurring in rural areas near Stockton, where winds reached 180 mph (290 km/h). Preliminary assessments by the NWS La Crosse estimate damages at less than $1.1 million (2030 USD), though this figure may be revised as the survey is finalized, particularly for the city of Winona and areas beyond, which have yet to be fully surveyed or rated. Numerous structures in Winona reportedly sustained damage, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and public facilities, but the severity and intensity of the damage within the city are still under investigation. Outside of Winona, the EF4 winds near Stockton destroyed several farm buildings and caused extensive debris scatter.
Winona High School
Within the city of Winona, Winona High School reportedly sustained damage as the tornado passed through. The school experienced structural impacts, including damage to its roof and exterior walls. While the school was not in session at the time of the tornado, the damage disrupted plans for upcoming community events and will require repairs before the facility can reopen. The exact extent and intensity of the damage to the school are still being assessed, as the NWS has not yet surveyed or rated the damage in Winona.
Other regions
Outside of Winona, the tornado caused significant destruction in rural areas of Winona County. Near Stockton, where the tornado reached EF4 intensity, several farm buildings were completely leveled, and trees were debarked. The tornado also produced EF2 to EF3 damage between Wyatville and Stockton, impacting isolated homes and farmland. As the tornado moved through Goodview, it caused EF3 damage before shrinking in size and windfield. The impacts in Goodview are based on preliminary DIs, while the damage in Bluff Siding and Centerville has not yet been surveyed or rated, so the intensity and extent of the impacts in those areas remain unknown and preliminary.
Casualties
The tornado resulted in 6 fatalities and 34 injuries, according to preliminary reports from the NWS La Crosse. Most of the casualties occurred in Winona, where the tornado caused significant destruction to homes and buildings, though the intensity in the city has not yet been rated due to the ongoing survey. Emergency services responded quickly to treat the injured and recover the deceased, though the full scope of the casualties may be updated as the survey is finalized.
Aftermath
Initial aid
In the immediate aftermath of the tornado, local authorities in Winona County coordinated with state and federal agencies to provide aid to affected residents. Emergency response teams were deployed to search for survivors, secure damaged areas, and assess the extent of the destruction. Temporary shelters were established for those displaced by the tornado, and first responders distributed food, water, and medical supplies to those in need.
Television changes and documentary specials
The 2030 Winona tornado garnered significant media attention, with local and national news outlets covering the event extensively. In the weeks following the tornado, several television networks adjusted their schedules to air special reports on the disaster. Documentaries and news specials were produced to highlight the impact on Winona and the surrounding areas, featuring survivor stories, expert analyses of the storm, and discussions on improving tornado preparedness in the region.