Tornado Watch Has Now Been Issued In 36 Minnesota, Wisconsin Counties

The National Weather Service (NWS) has been warning portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin that severe thunderstorms were expected to develop on Monday, June 16, and residents should be prepared to take action if severe weather develops in their area.

While the exact path of the storms wasn't certain, the NWS was confident that these storms would likely bring damaging winds and large, tennis ball-sized hail, and even tornadoes.

Throughout Monday, the NWS provided updates, including a Facebook post Monday afternoon stating that the severe weather threat was increasing through late afternoon, and people should be prepared.

They also added that there was a very likely chance a series of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings would likely be issued, so residents should be on alert. They also expected a Tornado Watch to be issued.

Just over an hour later, a Tornado Watch was officially announced for many Minnesota counties and four counties in Wisconsin.

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National Weather Service Issues Tornado Watch In Minnesota & Wisconsin

Just before 3:00 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for 36 counties, the majority of which are located in Minnesota.

The NWS reminds residents that a Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Therefore, it's important to review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies, and check your safe room.

Also, be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

The following 32 Minnesota counties are included in the watch, which is in effect until 9:00 p.m.:

• AITKIN
• ANOKA
• BENTON
• CARLTON
• CARVER
• CASS
• CHISAGO
• CROW WING
• DAKOTA
• DOUGLAS
• GRANT
• HENNEPIN
• HUBBARD
• ISANTI
• ITASCA
• KANABEC
• KANDIYOHI
• MCLEOD
• MEEKER
• MILLE LACS
• MORRISON
• OTTER TAIL
• PINE
• POPE
• RAMSEY
• SCOTT
• SHERBURNE
• STEARNS
• TODD WADENA
• WASHINGTON
• WRIGHT

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The Tornado Watch also included the following counties in Wisconsin:

• BURNETT
• PIERCE
• POLK
• ST. CROIX

People throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin should check their local forecasts and be prepared for strong storms to quickly develop if they are included in any related watches or warnings.