Severe thunderstorm warnings blanketed western Minnesota on Saturday night after storms, with winds topping 65 miles per hour dropped hail the size of pingpong balls near Madison and Dawson, according to the National Weather Service.

Tornado warnings were also in effect late into Saturday night for Wheaton, Graceville and Dumont. The airport in Madison, to the west of Montevideo, reported a 67 mph wind gust shortly before 10 p.m., the weather service said.

Several tornado touchdowns were recorded in Grand Forks, but it appeared the stormy weather would steer clear of the Twin Cities metro.

LIZ SAWYER