Large Storm System Crosses Minnesota

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for a broad swath of western and central Minnesota as storms bring in winds as high as 80 mph.

The thunderstorm watch is in effect across 22 counties in Minnesota from Norman County to the Saint Cloud area. It was issued at 12:15 p.m. and will remain in effect until 7 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms capable of damaging winds in excess of 70 mph and penny-sized hail are likely this afternoon through this evening. 

The watch area covers parts of the Dakotas. It stops short of the Twin Cities, but chances for severe weather still exist in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.