Central Minnesota communities along the I-94 corridor are bracing for a noisy evening Friday as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch settles in. Forecasters say scattered storms could quickly turn rowdy, with the strongest cells capable of dropping hail and whipping up damaging wind gusts through tonight.
Where the Watch Applies
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers multiple central Minnesota counties, including Benton, Douglas, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright, and is in effect through 8:00 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The watch box stretches along and just north of I-94, putting much of central Minnesota on alert for rapidly changing conditions.
What to Expect
“There is a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms capable of marginally severe hail and gusty winds,” the National Weather Service said. Scattered showers and storms are expected to flare up late this afternoon and evening, with the primary focus along and north of I-94, as reported by WJON.
Safety and Travel Tips
Drivers on I-94 and nearby routes should be ready for sudden heavy rain, hail that can dent vehicles and strong gusts that cut visibility and may bring down tree limbs. To avoid turning a rough commute into a roadside emergency, motorists are urged to stay off flooded roads, park in covered areas when hail is possible and pull off safely if visibility drops too low, according to AAA.
How to Stay Updated
Residents are encouraged to keep a battery-powered radio or weather app handy for real-time alerts and to be ready to head indoors quickly if warnings are issued. For the latest watches and broader outlooks, check the Storm Prediction Center, and follow local updates from WJON as storms track across central Minnesota.
