Minneapolis, MN — The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued an urgent severe thunderstorm watch for parts of central Minnesota and southeast North Dakota, effective immediately until 9 PM CDT this evening. Residents should prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The watch, issued at 2:40 PM CDT, includes threats of scattered large hail, isolated hail up to two inches in diameter, and damaging wind gusts reaching 70 mph. Additionally, there is a possibility of one or two tornadoes forming in the affected area. The watch covers a region approximately 60 miles north and south of a line from Ortonville, MN, to Saint Cloud, MN.
This alert is critical for anyone in the watch area, particularly those in the aviation sector, where extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts up to 60 knots are possible. Monitor weather reports closely and take all necessary precautions to stay safe.
