Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa

On September 19, 2024, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for a large area encompassing parts of southern Minnesota, eastern Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northern Iowa. This watch is active until 10:00 PM and includes the greater Twin Cities metro area.

The current weather situation indicates conditions that are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. These storms may bring scattered hail as large as tennis balls, damaging winds reaching up to 70 mph, and the potential for a few tornadoes. The most likely period for these storms is between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, moving from west to east across the Twin Cities.

The specific counties in Minnesota under the watch include Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona, alongside the entire Twin Cities metro area. Northern Iowa and western Wisconsin are also included in the watch.

Residents in these areas are advised to remain prepared for possible weather warnings. A severe thunderstorm watch implies that conditions are ripe for severe weather, and individuals should be ready to seek shelter if necessary. In contrast, a warning is issued when severe weather is imminent or has been reported, necessitating immediate sheltering actions.

Weather offices are currently on high alert with additional personnel on duty to monitor conditions. State and local officials have been informed and are coordinating with emergency teams. Television and radio stations are disseminating updates while advancements in technology have made it possible for people to receive alerts via cell phones and other digital devices.

Storm developments are monitored closely by spotters, and emergency officials are executing plans formulated by emergency managers. Updates will continue as often as needed until the threat of severe weather concludes.