Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Golf Ball-Sized Hail Possible In East Metro

TWIN CITIES, MN — The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning on Sunday evening for parts of the east metro, including Woodbury, Inver Grove Heights, and South St. Paul.

The warning is in effect until 8:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Forecasters said storms could bring winds up to 50 mph and hail as large as golf balls.

About 129,000 people, 33 schools, and one hospital are within the warning area, according to the weather service.

Additional Special Weather Statements were issued through 8:30 p.m. in nearby communities, including:

• Woodbury, Lakeland, and Afton — risk of nickel-sized hail and winds up to 30 mph.
• Lakeville, Elko New Market, and Apple Valley — risk of half-inch hail and winds up to 30 mph.
• Cottage Grove, Hastings, Afton, Hudson, and River Falls — risk of half-inch hail and winds up to 30 mph.

The severe weather threat follows an earlier Hazardous Weather Outlook that warned of strong to severe storms across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin Sunday evening into early Monday.

Residents are urged to seek shelter indoors and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions.