Tornado Watch Cancelled, Storms Overnight

A tornado watch went into effect for Rosemount and Dakota County at 6:10 p.m., and will remain in effect until 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service – Twin Cities. The surrounding counties are also included in the tornado watch.

A special short term forecast posted at 4:19 p.m. for Dakota County and the surrounding areas is calling for a line of strong storms to move into southwest and central Minnesota this evening and overnight.

Some of the storms will have strong wind gusts of 40-50 mph and possibly hail up to nickel size. Rainfall estimates range from a quarter inch to an inch and a quarter from the heaviest showers. 

The NWS has also said the highest risk area for a tornado will be confined to mainly along and north of Interstate 94. However, the severe threat overall will be greater along and west of Interstate 35, which is the area closer to Shakopee. 

A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been posted by the National Weather Service-Twin Cities for much of the Twin Cities area including Rosemount and Dakota County starting Tuesday, May 1, and extending through Sunday.

Tuesday brings the greatest risk for severe thunderstorms this week, the NWS said. 

It appears there will be sufficient instability and wind shear to support the development of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds before a cold front arrives, according to the NWS.

There will be several more bouts of showers and thunderstorms over the next few days. Isolated severe storms are possible again Wednesday and Thursday.