A tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for over 20 counties in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, including Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties. The watch came into effect on Monday, June 16, at 2:52 p.m. CDT and will remain active until 9 p.m.
The specific counties in Minnesota under the watch include Benton, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wright, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Douglas, and Pope. Important cities such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hastings, and Willmar are included in this warning.
In light of this tornado watch, NWS recommends proactive safety measures. Those in affected areas should seek shelter in the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows, to ensure maximum safety. If driving during a tornado watch, it’s crucial to find a safe place to exit the road and seek shelter, as outrunning a tornado is often not safe. In cases where no shelter is available, individuals should lie flat in a nearby depression and protect their heads with their arms.
It’s important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a warning: a watch indicates the potential for tornado formation, while a warning signals that a tornado has been observed or indicated by radar, signaling immediate danger.
Stay alert to the latest weather updates and have an emergency plan in place. The safety of you and your loved ones is the top priority during such weather events.