Severe Thunderstorms Hit Southeastern Minnesota
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A stormy afternoon is expected to be followed by a stormy evening in southeastern Minnesota.
*NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN OLMSTED COUNTY AND WABASHA COUNTIES UNTIL 6:45 PM
A line of severe storms developed around 4 PM and quickly resulted in the National Weather issuing severe thunderstorm warnings for portions of northern Olmsted and southern Wabasha Counties due to high winds and large hail. That was later followed by additional warnings for Dodge, Mower, and Winona Counties, with additional warnings a possibility before calmer conditions arrive later tonight.
As of 5:30 PM, there had been reports of hail over an inch in diameter and wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH in the region. There were also reports of possible funnel clouds near St. Charles and Blooming Prairie.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10 PM.
Ways to Prepare and stay safe now
- Take shelter inside a sturdy building.A shed or structure in an open area is more likely to be hit by lightning.
- If driving in heavy rain, find a place to pull over and park.Stay in the car and turn on your hazard lights until the rain stops.
- Avoid touching anything metal, including the frame of your car.Metal conducts electricity, which can injure you.
- Avoid tall trees, hilltops, open fields, the beach, and boats on the water.These places are more likely to be hit by lightning.
- Unplug electronic equipment.Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage to computers, monitors, and TVs.
- Use only cell phones and cordless phones that are not plugged into an outlet.A power surge from an outlet could injure you.
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