ST. CLOUD, MN — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Stearns, Benton, Sherburne and 11 other Minnesota counties, with the advisory in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.
Forecasters say scattered thunderstorms are expected to build across central and eastern Minnesota this afternoon and continue into the early evening.
What the forecast calls for
The strongest storms may produce marginally severe hail and gusty winds, according to the weather service.
The Storm Prediction Center has assigned the area the lowest level on its five-step severe weather scale, signaling a limited but real risk for storms to turn severe.
Watch versus warning
Officials say a watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, so people should stay alert and be ready to act if storms worsen.
That is different from a warning, which is issued only when severe weather is already happening or is expected very soon.
Counties included in watch
The watch covers Benton, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pope, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Washington and Wright counties.
Residents in those areas should keep an eye on updated forecasts as storms move through the region Friday evening.
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