A tornado watch has been issued for much of central Minnesota including the Twin Cities metro, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities.

The watch, in effect until 9 p.m., is for the following Minnesota counties:

Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chicago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itaska, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, McCleod, Meeker, Mille Lakes, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Washington and Wright counties.

A tornado warning was issued about 6:30 p.m. for east central McLeod County and northwestern Carver County.

According to the National Weather Service, a watch is implemented when there is a risk of hazardous weather but the probability, location or timing is uncertain. People should stay alert and listen for possible warnings particularly if they are traveling or being outside.

A warning is when the hazardous weather or event is occurring, imminent or likely and people need to take immediate protective action.

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