Severe thunderstorms are possible

Some strong to severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening over much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for central through northeastern Minnesota and parts of northwestern Wisconsin:

Tornadoes, damaging thunderstorm winds and large hail are possible in and close to the watch area.

Wright, Sherburne and Isanti counties, which are just to the northwest and north of the 7 county Twin Cities metro area, are among the many counties in the tornado watch.

3:45 p.m. Update

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch valid until 11 p.m. from south-central Minnesota through east-central Minnesota into western Wisconsin. This watch includes the Twin Cities metro area:

Damaging thunderstorm winds, large hail and an isolated tornado are possible in and close to the watch area.

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service shows an enhanced risk of severe weather this afternoon and evening for much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin:

The Twin Cities metro area is in the enhanced risk area.

Parts of southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin have a slight risk of severe weather.

Here are the risk categories used by the Storm Prediction Center:

Stay sky aware this afternoon and evening.

We'll keep you updated on Minnesota Public Radio.