Forecast First Alert: Severe storms and heavy rain possible later Tuesday

Jonathan says strong storms possible Tuesday

Jonathan says strong storms possible Tuesday

Minnesota’s Weather Authority is calling a Forecast First Alert for Tuesday.

RELATED: Forecast First Alert Explained

Severe storms are possible in the afternoon after the day starts off warm and muggy.

A thunderstorm watch is already in effect until 8 p.m. for parts of central and northern Minnesota.

A narrow line of storms has formed across western Minnesota and will move toward the metro throughout the afternoon.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Meteorologist Matt Serwe says the storms will approach the Twin Cities between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and they are capable of producing damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall and even an isolated tornado.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority says straight-line wind speeds could reach more than 60 mph, and any tornado risks would be mainly from Forest Lake and north between 5-7 p.m.

That heavy rain and lighter rain behind it could lead to flooding, and some areas may receive around 2 inches of rain by the time the system moves out of the region later tonight. Due to the high amount of rainfall already received this season, some streets and fields could also be flooded.

The city of St. Paul announced that Water Street would close beginning on Wednesday due to anticipated flooding from the rising Mississippi River. More information on closures can be found here.

CLICK HERE for the latest forecast and HERE for an interactive radar.