Severe Storms and Tornado Watches Hit Minnesota This Afternoon

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Severe storms are currently sweeping through Minnesota, prompting officials to issue tornado watches across several areas. The National Weather Service has put the Twin Cities under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. tonight.

As of Monday afternoon, meteorologists from FOX 9 are tracking multiple storm cells developing across southern Minnesota. A tornado watch is in place for parts of southwestern Minnesota including cities like Marshall, Willmar, and Hutchinson, along with areas in northwestern Iowa. This watch is expected to remain active until 8 p.m.

At 4:10 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for Stearns and Wright counties as storms are moving northeast at approximately 50 mph. The National Weather Service has warned of damaging winds and possible tornadoes, advising residents in the path of these storms to seek shelter.

Reports of severe weather began just after 2 p.m., with heavy hail reaching sizes up to a quarter in some areas. Reports indicate that Windom in Cottonwood County experienced quarter-sized hail earlier in the afternoon.

School districts including Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Louis Park Public Schools canceled after-school activities and adjusted class schedules to ensure safety as these storms approach. Rochester Public Schools also limited activities, requesting parents to pick up their children promptly.

As of this afternoon, officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant and informed about current weather conditions. They encourage residents to have a plan in place for seeking shelter if necessary.

The storms are expected to pass through the metro area between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., with meteorologists warning of a possible second, more intense wave of storms.