Mankato, MN – Residents across southern Minnesota, northern Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and southeastern South Dakota are bracing for dangerous storms tonight, as a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 3 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, areas including Redwood, Renville, Brown, Nicollet, Sibley, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Martin, and Faribault counties could see tornadoes, hail up to two inches in diameter, and wind gusts reaching 70 mph. Key cities under the watch include Mankato, Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Brookings, North Platte, and Spirit Lake.
Travel on major routes like I-90 and I-29 may become hazardous, with sudden wind gusts and downed tree limbs possible overnight. Local emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items, stay off roads during warnings, and keep phones charged in case of power outages.
This watch remains in effect through 3 a.m. Saturday. More advisories may follow if conditions worsen overnight.
