Forecast first warning on Tuesday: Heavy storms and heavy rain possible

Here is your forecast for Monday evening, May 20, 2024, from the Minnesota Weather Department and meteorologist Wren Clair.

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

Scattered storms will develop across southern Minnesota this evening, with storms particularly likely after dinner into the overnight hours. Isolated severe storms are possible tonight, particularly south and southeast from Minnesota into western Wisconsin, late this evening until around 2 a.m. Rain and storms will remain forecast late tonight and into tomorrow morning, but the risk of severe weather in the morning is low. The main threat from Tuesday morning’s rain and storms will be heavy rainfall.

Severe storms are possible from the twin cities to the south and east. Some storms could produce large hail, strong winds and possibly a tornado in the metro. The greater tornado potential is closer to Rochester and La Crosse and in Iowa. This final round of storms will also have the highest potential for heavy rain.

A flood warning is in effect for much of Minnesota, including the entire Twin Cities metro area, from tonight through Tuesday. Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches could lead to flash flooding on Tuesday and river rises later this week.

Once the storms clear, strong westerly winds will blow, with speeds up to 40 miles per hour at times, Tuesday night into Wednesday. The next chance of rain and storms will be Friday afternoon and evening, with a reduced chance of stronger storms. The start of Memorial Day weekend will be great on Saturday and Sunday!