Weather Service Issues Tornado Watch Over Hopkins

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch throughout much of Minnesota—including Hopkins—at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday.

The watch is in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. People in the area should pay attention to the sky and listen for further alerts.

A line of strong storms is moving into southwest and central Minnesota this evening and overnight.

Some of the storms will have strong wind gusts of 40-50 mph and possibly hail up to nickel size. Rainfall estimates range from a quarter inch to an inch and a quarter from the heaviest showers. 

The NWS says the highest risk area for a tornado will be confined to mainly along and north of Interstate 94. However, the severe threat overall will be greatest along and west of Interstate 35.

Visit this federal resource for tips to stay safe during natural disasters, and stay tuned to Patch for storm updates.

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