St. Cloud, Minn. – A tornado watch has been issued across central and southwestern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota until 1 a.m. CDT Sunday, as strong storms are expected to bring the risk of tornadoes and dangerous weather overnight. The watch is in effect for several counties and is expected to last into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Tornado Watch Details
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued Tornado Watch 474 at 6:35 p.m. CDT Saturday, covering 27 counties in Minnesota, including Stearns, Wright, Kandiyohi, and Redwood, as well as 11 counties in South Dakota, such as Brookings, Lake, and Moody. Cities like St. Cloud, Willmar, and Pipestone are within the watch zone, with the potential for severe weather impacting the area through the night.
Storm Risks and Hazards
Residents in the affected areas should prepare for strong thunderstorms that could produce large hail, damaging winds exceeding 60 mph, and isolated tornadoes. The conditions are especially concerning in areas where warm, humid air has built up ahead of the incoming storm line. The threat of tornadoes is most significant where these conditions are present, and storm rotation could continue into the early morning hours.
Areas of Concern
Counties like Sherburne, Mille Lacs, and Cottonwood, which have experienced tornadoes in previous summers, are especially vulnerable to tornado activity due to high wind shear and unstable atmospheric conditions. These areas may see rotating storms that persist into Sunday morning, potentially causing severe weather as the storms progress.
Safety Tips and Precautions
As storms develop overnight, residents are urged to stay weather-aware and ensure they have access to a reliable weather source. It’s also important to keep your phone charged and have a safe place to take shelter in case a tornado warning is issued. If you are in a region under the tornado watch, avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Stay tuned to local weather alerts for the latest updates.
A tornado watch is in effect across parts of Minnesota and South Dakota through 1 a.m. Sunday, with strong storms potentially bringing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Residents in the affected areas should remain alert and take necessary precautions as the storms move through. Stay updated with local weather warnings and be prepared to seek shelter if severe weather threatens.
