June 30-July 3, 2013 Tornado Outbreak

This was one of the biggest tornado outbreaks in July history in the northern Midwest Plains since 2000. Even though 'only' 49 tornadoes were confirmed, at least 5 were confirmed killer, and 12 were rated EF3 in total, with one large EF4 striking Pottawattamie County, Iowa on July 2nd. It also had the 2nd deadliest tornado in Minnesota history, and by far the most destructive in any of St. Paul's recorded tornado history on the same day.

Meteorological Synopsis
This is what caused a spike in tornadic activity in July 2013 when an intense cold front struck the northern Midwest Plains on June 29th, causing significant convection and thunderstorms throughout the area.