Forecast First Alert Tuesday: Severe storms and heavy rain possible

Here’s your Monday evening forecast for May 20, 2024 from Minnesota’s Weather Authority and Meteorologist Wren Clair.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority is calling Tuesday a Forecast First Alert day. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are likely. Severe storms are possible in the afternoon and evening, and heavy rain could lead to flash flooding.

Scattered storms are developing across southern Minnesota this evening, with storms likely especially after dinner into the overnight hours. Isolated severe storms are possible tonight mainly across southern and southeastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin late this evening through about 2 am. Rain and storms stay in the forecast late overnight into tomorrow morning, but the risk for morning severe weather is low. The main threat with Tuesday morning rain and storms will be heavy rainfall.

Severe storms are possible from the Twin Cities to the south and east. In the metro, some storms could have large hail, strong winds, and possibly a tornado. The better tornado potential will be closer to Rochester and La Crosse and into Iowa. This final round of storms will also have the highest heavy rain potential.

A Flood Watch is in effect from tonight through Tuesday across a large portion of Minnesota, including the entire Twin Cities metro. Widespread rain totals of 2 to 4 inches could cause flash flooding Tuesday, and later river rises this week.

Once the storms end, west winds get blustery Tuesday night through Wednesday, gusting up to 40 mph at times. The next chance of rain and storms is Friday afternoon and evening, with a lower chance of stronger storms. The start of Memorial Day Weekend will be gorgeous Saturday and Sunday!