Storms to hammer Upper Midwest today and tonight

Thunderstorms have already blossomed this morning in northwest Minnesota where a severe thunderstorm watch has been posted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center until 6 p.m.

svrtstmwatch

The late morning satellite image  is depicting the high tops of the thunderstorms in northwest Minnesota, but of equal concern is the lack of clouds and the likelihood of heating in central Minnesota this afternoon.

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Image;NOAA/College of Dupage

As the afternoon progresses, more thunderstorms are likely to ignite in the very warm and humid air mass of central and southwest Minnesota. The Storm Prediction Center has raised the level of concern for severe storms to the enhanced potential.  More severe weather watches are likely to be issued as we move through the day.

enhancedsun

Here is a commentary from the Storm Prediction Center issued late this morning.

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...SUMMARY...

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WIND...AND POSSIBLY

A TORNADO OR TWO WILL OCCUR TODAY INTO TONIGHT OVER PARTS OF THE

NORTHERN PLAINS AND UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY...ESPECIALLY OVER SOUTH

DAKOTA...NORTHERN NEBRASKA...SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA...AND NORTHWEST

IOWA. ISOLATED SEVERE STORMS YIELDING DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE

POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON FROM THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TO

SOUTHEAST ATLANTIC COAST.

A large complex of thunderstorms is expected to moving slowly from northwest to southeast in the next 24 hours. Flooding rains are a serious concern, particularly in the evening and overnight hours.

sunstory mapx

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center is indicating where the heaviest rain is most likely to fall.  Amounts could exceed 3 inches.

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Be very sky aware this afternoon. Severe storms will hamper holiday travel!