MN weather: Severe threat for Twin Cities metro has passed

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - UPDATE (6:45 p.m.): The severe threat from the storms has passed for the Twin Cities metro but some rumbling storms and heavy rain are still possible.

The rain could lead to local flooding and the possibility of flash flooding.

The National Weather Service has received multiple reports of some damage across southern Minnesota but the worst of the damage, as expected, appears to be focused in Iowa, where multiple tornadoes were reported.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of central and eastern Wisconsin until midnight.

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A flood watch is in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday through the late evening for much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including the Twin Cities metro area. Rivers, creeks, and streams are already a little swollen, and with more heavy rain possible, many of these waterways could enter the flood stage in the days ahead if much of the area does get some heavy rain.

RELATED: Minnesota and Wisconsin weather alerts

A river flood warning was issued Monday night and expires around 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday for Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties. A wind advisory is also in effect from 2 p.m. through Tuesday evening for portions of western Minnesota, where wind gusts could approach 50 mph.

Southern MN suffers minor damage

Southern Minnesota was bracing for the potential of damaging winds Tuesday, as severe weather moved across much of the state. The impact of the storms, however, was minor and there were very few reports of damage.

Several counties south of the Twin Cities metro had reports of downed trees and power lines, and thousands were without power for at least part of the afternoon.

Fox 9 crews cris-crossed southern Minnesota, chasing reports of storm damage in Bue Earth, Rice, Steele, Dodge, and Mower Counties. Downed trees and power lines were the worst of it.

The line of storms did severe damage in Iowa before making its way into Minnesota.

Looking ahead

After an active start to the week, things calm down for Wednesday, with sunshine and highs in the 70s, but the breezes stick around. Thursday is looking warmer and pleasant, with highs in the mid-70s. We could see more showers on Friday with seasonable temperatures.

The start of Memorial Day weekend looks nice, but a chance for more rain returns from Sunday night into Monday morning.

Here's a look at your seven-day forecast:

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