ST. CLOUD, MN — The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for parts of central Minnesota, including Stearns, Sherburne and Wright counties. The watch was issued by the Storm Prediction Center at 3:25 p.m. and is set to remain in effect until 11 p.m. Friday, June 5.
Forecasters say scattered thunderstorms are possible through the evening, with the strongest storms capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts.
What The Watch Means
A watch means weather conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop, but it does not mean severe weather is already happening. It is meant to give people time to prepare and stay aware as conditions change.
In this case, the concern is not just thunder and rain, but the chance for storms that could turn more dangerous later in the day.
Counties Under Alert
The affected area includes communities in Stearns, Sherburne and Wright counties. Those counties are part of the central Minnesota region covered by the alert.
The forecast specifically points to the evening hours, when scattered storms could become strong enough to bring hail and wind damage.
How Residents Should Respond
People in the watch area are being told to stay alert and keep track of changing weather conditions. Officials also say residents should have a reliable way to receive warnings if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
That could mean checking weather alerts on a phone, radio or other trusted source so they can act quickly if storms intensify.
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