Severe Thunderstorm Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for a large portion of Northern and Central Minnesota until 1 AM tonight.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch includes Benton, Crow Wing, Douglas, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright counties in Central Minnesota.

Large hail, heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area tonight.

Monitor the weather, and have a plan of action if severe weather strikes your area. Stay weather aware, and have a way to receive warnings.

From the National Weather Service this evening: Thunderstorms will become more likely across west central, and central Minnesota. Large hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado will be possible, with the highest risk period between 7 PM and 11 PM. The risk of flooding increases overnight as thunderstorms begin to train over the same areas.

Pete Hanson is on 98.1 Minnesota's New Country weekday mornings from 5:30 to 10:00.