A severe thunderstorm struck Freeborn County and surrounding counties Friday evening, drenching the ground and causing streets in many cities, including Albert Lea, to flood.

Cars on East Main Street near Clark Street and West Main Street near St. Mary’s Avenue had to drive through high water. Other typical high water areas quickly filled the streets.

Slowly moving black clouds to the west around 3 p.m. delivered rain in Alden by 3:30 p.m. and within a half hour it was raining in Albert Lea, too. The automated weather station at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport says the storm dumped 1.64 inches of rain in the hours from 3:45 to 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for Freeborn,

Faribault, Waseca, Steele and many other counties in southern Minnesota. The statement said to expect continuing rain Friday across the region. The flood watch was in effect through Saturday morning. People were advised to take caution in low-lying areas and flood-prone streets.

An excessive heat watch took effect Saturday afternoon and will run through Wednesday. People are advised to drink extra water and stay in air-conditioned rooms when possible.