Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Albert Lea starting this afternoon as heavy rain is expected to begin and continue through early Wednesday morning.

The weather agency states the rain will be a result of the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal coming in from the south, bring average rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches before precipitation tapers off Wednesday.

Some localized areas east of Interstate 35 may see 5 inches or more of rain, especially where thunderstorms develop. This could lead to flash flooding.

The weather agency advised that small creeks and streams may rise quickly. The greatest threat for heavy rainfall is this afternoon and evening.

There is also a chance for isolated tornadoes across southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin this afternoon and evening.

The Weather Service warns people to turn around if they encounter water on a street and noted that 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a car.