Western Minnesota sees tornado damage as storms move east

Minnesota is preparing for severe thunderstorms, including tornado potential, Remembrance Day afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service monitored the state closely, especially west of Interstate Corridor 35. The agency said hail of up to 2 inches, gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and torrential rains and floods were possible.

A dangerous weather forecast has been issued for a wide region from central and southern Minnesota in the east to the twin cities and in western Wisconsin and all the way south to Watton County and Blue Earth counties.

The tornado was confirmed in western Minnesota and was headed east to Alexandria, the meteorological service said. The National Weather Service received a report of tornado damage from Forada, Douglas County.

Also in western Minnesota, Wilmar, Montevideo and Clara City were warned of a severe thunderstorm with gusts of up to 70 miles per hour. This warning was due to expire at 5:15 p.m.

The storms are expected to weaken as they move to west-central Wisconsin, the meteorological service said.