The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the northwest quarter of Freeborn County, the northern half of Faribault County and the eastern tier of townships in Martin County.

The flood warning also includes the New Richland area and southernmost Blue Earth County.

Slow-moving thunderstorms are sweeping through the region and look like they could bring 2 to 3 inches of rain, according to a National Weather Service prediction. The flash flood warning states runoff from excess rainfall on saturated ground will produce flooding. The warning mentions Albert Lea, Hayward, Conger, Kiester, Wells, Blue Earth and portions of Interstate 35 and Interstate 90.

The weather service says most flood-related deaths occur in automobiles. It urges motorists not to cross water-covered bridges, dips or low-water crossings.

The warning was issued at 6:25 a.m. today. It is in effect until 10:30 a.m.

Parts of northern Iowa were in a severe thunderstorm warning, including Winnebago and Worth counties, until 7:15 a.m. The warning weather spotters reported 60 mph wind and golf-ball-size hail. The hail was spotted five miles southwest of Thompson, Iowa.