Update: A special weather statement has been issued for southeastern Rice and southwestern Goodhue counties. A strong thunderstorm reaching 40 mile per hour winds and dime size hail was located near Kenyon, MN. Many of the flood watches have been cancelled, with the alert remaining in affect in Blue Earth, Dakota, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Le Sueur, Martin, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Steele, Waseca, Washington and Watonwan.

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Heavy rain storms are expected to fall across Minnesota, with flood watches extending through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service issued the alert today for 33 areas potentially affected by severe storms predicted to hit Wednesday night.

The heaviest rainfall is happening near the Iowa and Minnesota border. Another large storm is headed southward and towards portions of West Central Wisconsin. This may shift north overnight.

Some counties and towns may receive up to 6″ of rain in localized areas. Affected areas include Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona.

Forecasters for the center predict 2″ to 3″ and up to 5″ in other locations. Cities and counties for this rainfall include Anoka, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Martin, McLeod, Nicollet, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Steele, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan and Wright.

Pine county experienced 1″ to 4″ of rain this morning with more expected through out the day. The rate is expected to increase overnight and tomorrow morning for an additional 1″ to 2″ of rain.

Areas of Wisconsin are also under the flood watch including Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Taylor, Trempaleau, Vernon, Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Awyer and Iron counties.

Localized flooding is expected to occur along rivers, as well as low lying and urban areas.  If you live in an area of repeated flooding, the Center recommends you should be prepared to take action and move to higher ground.

By — Mal Meyer