Several south central Minnesota counties have been placed under a flood watch starting this evening and continuing until Wednesday morning.

According to the National Weather Service, scattered non-severe thunderstorms are expected through this afternoon. Thunderstorms are expected to redevelop tonight, possibly becoming severe with large hail and damaging winds.

The flood watch is in effect from 7 p.m. today through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service states several rounds of thunderstorms are expected Tuesday, with periods of heavy rain again possible.

Rainfall totals may exceed 3 inches as a moist air mass moves into the region ahead of a strong low pressure approaching from the Central Plains.

Heavy rainfall across southern and western Minnesota could lead to flooding.

The flood watch includes Freeborn County and several surrounding counties such as Faribault, Steele, Waseca and Blue Earth counties.