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The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch through 9 p.m. for Freeborn County and all of the surrounding counties.

The weather agency states there is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms (level 3 out of 5) across south central and southeast Minnesota with damaging winds of 70 to 80 mph, large hail and tornadoes possible. The highest risk for severe thunderstorms is between 3 and 9 p.m.

Heavy rainfall is likely Tuesday afternoon and evening with totals exceeding 2 or 3 inches possible.

The area is also under a flood watch through 7 p.m., as excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.