Update: Damage reported in southeastern Albert Lea
Power outages were reported, along with downed trees and branches, and damaged lawn furniture. Numerous branches and trees were reported down on streets including Ethel Avenue, Milo Avenue, 17th Street, Gene Avenue, Clayton Avenue, Margaretha and Larson Avenue.
A semitrailer was reported flipped on its side at Albert Lea Public Warehouse No. 2 in the Jobs Industrial Park on Myers Road.
The National Weather Service has currently listed the downed trees and powerlines as being from thunderstorm wind damage, though it noted it could be possible tornado damage. The damage was estimated to have occurred at about 1:20 p.m.
The Weather Service also logged a report of a tornado at 1:29 p.m. three miles west of Hayward in land that is considered part of Myre-Big Island State Park.
(Update 2:20 p.m.): The tornado warning has expired in Freeborn County.
(Tornado near Twin Lakes, Video courtesy Noah Nielsen)
(Update 1:35 p.m.): A confirmed tornado was located by weather spotters between Hayward and Albert Lea, moving northeast at 25 mph.
The National Weather Service advises flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter.
People are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
The tornado is expected to be near Hollandale around 1:50 p.m. Other locations impacted by the tornado include Myre Big Island State Park.
The tornado warning is until 2:15 p.m.
(Update 1:25 p.m.): Tornado warning sirens are sounding after a reported tornado touchdown near Twin Lakes.
(Original story): The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for several area counties until 8 p.m.
The counties include Steele, Mower and Freeborn counties.
A few strong to severe storms are possible in southern Minnesota this afternoon and evening. While strong wind gusts will be the primary threat, a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
At 1:20 p.m., scanner traffic indicated funnel clouds could be seen near milemarker 8 on Interstate 35.
The area is also under a flood watch has heavy rainfall over the last several days has led to saturated soils with many low-lying areas and ditches filled with standing water.
An additional one to three inches of rain is likely this afternoon and evening. Additional flooding is possible.
The flood watch is in effect through late Thursday.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks, and flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, according to the weather agency.
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