Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Minnesota Until Midnight

The National Weather Service has announced that a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 12:00 a.m. for the following locations in Minnesota:

Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Crow Wing, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Mcleod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, Wright.

Authorities recommend the following ways to prepare and stay safe now:

• Unplug electronic equipment.
• Power surges from lightning can damage computers, monitors and TVs, and cause sparks that might start a fire.
• If it’s safe, bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.
• These may become a hazard.
• Stay inside a building or car that’s not a convertible.
• Rubber tires won’t protect you from lightning so avoid touching metal inside the car.
• Close windows, shutters, blinds, shades, and curtains.
• This will help keep out wind, rain, and broken glass.
• Make sure outside doors are securely closed.
• This will help keep out wind and rain.

Image via National Weather Service