A few atmospheric fireworks on Friday?

From SPC: the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. This is a slightly more detailed, "probabilistic" outlook for Friday's severe storm potential. The numbers represent the probability of severe weather within 20 miles of any given location. Within the blue "hatched area" there is a 10% or greater risk of "significant severe weather" within 25 miles of any point. Bottom line: it would appear that the greatest threat of large hail and isolated tornadoes will remain just to our south and east Friday. The closer you get to the Iowa (or Wisconsin) line, the greater the odds of more significant/widespread severe weather.

I think it may have been good timing, luck of the draw, that the mock tornado watch/warning was scheduled for today - to get Minnesotans into a severe storm mindset. Keep in mind that May and June are the two peak months for tornadoes across the Gopher state. We don't live in tornado alley, but we DO live in tornado culde sac. We get our fair share (on average close to 30 every year, most minor EF 0 and EF 1 twisters). But a "minor tornado" is something of an oxymoron. A little like babbling about "jumbo shrimp" or "airline food." Any tornado is (usually) a pretty big deal.