MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A tornado watch was issued for southern Minnesota as forecasters warned that severe weather could bring damaging wind, large hail and a few isolated tornadoes. The alert covered the region amid a broader threat of strong storms in southern Minnesota.
Main storm threats
Officials said the biggest hazards were damaging wind and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible. The watch signaled that conditions were favorable for severe storms to develop across the area.
Residents in the affected part of the state were urged to stay aware of changing weather and be ready for fast-moving storms.
What the watch means
A tornado watch means weather conditions are right for tornadoes and other severe storms to form, but it does not mean a tornado is already on the ground. People in the watch area typically use the time to review shelter plans and keep a close eye on updates.
In this case, the concern centered on southern Minnesota, where forecasters said the storm threat could include strong winds and hail in addition to tornado risk.
How to stay ready
When severe weather is in the forecast, the safest move is to have a way to get alerts quickly and know where to go if a warning is issued. A sturdy interior room or basement is typically the best shelter during a tornado warning.
Because storms can develop quickly, people in southern Minnesota were advised to monitor official weather updates through the evening and be prepared to act if conditions worsened.
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