Tornado Warning Now In Place For Part Of Dakota County

UPDATE: A tornado warning is now in place for part of Dakota County. The warning area includes Lakeville, Farmington, Apple Valley and Rosemount and is in effect until 4:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN— A tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday night for Dakota County, as well as 13 other counties in Minnesota, the National Weather Service announced.

Severe thunderstorms are expected Wednesday night. Large hail, strong winds, or tornadoes are all possible during this type of weather, the weather service said.

Winds up to 50 mph are possible, according to the forecast.

An additional wind advisory will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday night, the National Weather Service said.

Residents are urged to be careful when driving and secure outside objects.

Below is the detailed forecast for Thursday via the NWS:

This Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Rain and thunderstorms likely before 3am, then a slight chance of rain between 3am and 4am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy, with an east wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 15 to 25 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

>>>Read more about the tornado watch via the National Weather Service.