Severe weather is expected into Monday night for western and southern Minnesota

Update: Noon MondayCHANHASSEN — The hazardous weather outlook continues for central and southern Minnesota through Monday night, April 28.Scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and early evening, according to the National Weather Service.“It is worth repeating — Monday is likely to be a dangerous weather day,” the National Weather Service wrote on its website.

“It is important to have severe weather safety plans in place now so quick and decisive action can be taken when storms approach and warnings are issued.”At 12:30 p.m.



, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch through 8 p.m. Monday for the following counties: Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine.

There is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms (level 4 of 5) across much of western Minnesota and the southern half of the state.Very large hail, damaging winds, frequent lightning and tornadoes are likely. A few strong tornadoes are possible.

Residents are encouraged to: Ensure you have multiple ways to receive alerts. If alerts are issued, be ready to take appropriate shelter. Secure outdoor furniture in preparation for strong winds.

Be prepared for possible power outages by charging devices and have flashnights available.Update 8:45 a.m.

MondayCHANHASSEN — The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for central and southern Minnesota for Monday, April 28.Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop early Monday morning in western Minnesota and move eastward throughout the morning.The National Weather Service reported at 8:28 a.

m. Monday that its Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm six miles north of Clara City moving northeast at 60 mph. This thunderstorm was set to impact northeastern Chippewa, northern Kandiyohi and southeastern Swift counties until 9:15 a.

m. Monday.National Weather Service radar indicated wind gusts up to 40 mph and half-inch hail.

Locations impacted included Willmar, Clara City, New London, Spicer, Kerkhoven, Murdock, Pennock, Norway Lake, Sunburg, Willmar Airport, Monson Lake State Park, Sibley State Park and Gluek. Monday's storm will be a two-round event, with the first round rolling through by mid-morning Monday. The morning storms will not likely be too severe, but could produce some hail events.

There will be a break in the weather into the early afternoon with temperatures warming into the mid-70s, allowing the atmosphere to regroup and reform for the second wave.Numerous severe thunderstorms are likely Monday afternoon and early evening. There is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms (level 4 of 5) across the region.

This severe weather may include very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. A few strong tornadoes are possible.]]>.