Central Minnesota in the Enhanced Risk Category for Severe Weather Monday, June 16th

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service is warning of the potential for severe thunderstorms across central Minnesota this afternoon and evening; however, there are a few ifs, ands, and buts.

Morning rain and clouds may limit the environment for severe thunderstorms from getting going in the afternoon. If rain and clouds clear out this morning, severe storms are likely.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed a large bubble of the state in the enhanced risk, or three out of five, level for severe weather today. The area goes from the South Dakota border, northeast through Montevideo and up to Brainerd, southeast toward Mora, cutting right through the Twin Cities, Red Wing, Owatonna, and down to the Iowa border. That places the St. Cloud region right in the heart of the risk.

All modes of severe weather are possible, including damaging winds and tornadoes, but forecasters say hail looks to be the primary threat with the storms earlier in the event. The risk is the highest across the western part of the state in the late afternoon and early evening hours.

Have multiple ways to receive weather information and warnings today.

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