Flood Watch

Heavy rainfall is expected tonight across west-central, southwest, and south-central Minnesota. Slow moving thunderstorms are expected to generate widespread rainfall amounts of two to four inches, while more localized amounts of greater than 6 inches are likely within the band of heaviest rainfall. Flash flooding is possible where these higher-end amounts occur, especially in low-lying areas & areas of steeper terrain near near creeks and streams. Street & urban flooding is also likely where heavy rainfall occurs over towns & cities.

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota, including the following areas, in central Minnesota, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville and Sibley. In south central Minnesota, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Steele, Waseca and Watonwan. In southwest Minnesota, Redwood. In west central Minnesota, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine.

* WHEN...From 10 PM CDT this evening through Friday morning.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Localized rainfall amounts greater than six inches are likely within a more widespread swath of two to four inches of rain. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood