Minneapolis, Minnesota – Residents across southwest Minnesota should prepare for a wet night as thunderstorms move into the Minnesota River Valley this evening, bringing the potential for torrential rainfall that could flood roads and low-lying areas before the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, storms will develop this evening and expand east overnight, with the greatest risk for excessive rainfall centered along the Minnesota River Valley. Forecasters indicate a high probability of more than 1 inch of rain, while isolated pockets could receive 4 inches or more where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same locations.
The corridor with the greatest flood potential stretches from Morris and Granite Falls through Marshall, Tracy, Windom, Fairmont and Mankato, with heavy rain also possible near Hutchinson, Willmar and surrounding communities. While much of the day will remain dry with partly cloudy skies, conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly after sunset.
The primary concerns include urban street flooding, rapidly rising rivers and streams, and isolated flash flooding, especially in flood-prone or poor-drainage areas. Motorists should be prepared for water-covered roads overnight and avoid driving through flooded intersections, where water depth can be difficult to judge.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts through the evening, charge mobile devices before storms arrive and have multiple ways to receive warnings while sleeping. Additional Flood Advisories or Flash Flood Warnings could be issued if rainfall rates increase overnight, with the threat continuing into Friday morning.
