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Dark clouds are above Alden. Photo by Nich Wach

Photo by Tiffany Paino

The Elbow Room in Albert Lea. Photo by Natalie Lane

Photo by Jeremy Boeck

Storm moving north of Alden. Photo by Darcy Sime

Alden.AshleyWalk

Hail in Walters. Photo by Deanne Walk

Photo by Stephanie Zwick Bolinger

Hail in rural Wells. Photo by Dianne Koziolek

Hail fell throughout the area, including in central Albert Lea where this photo was taken. Photo by Kasey Wolters

Though it brought rain and hail, the storm that moved through Monday evening mostly spared the area, according to initial reports.

During its tornado warning Monday, the National Weather Service stated a tornado was reported near Bricelyn, though any reports of damage have not yet been confirmed.

Reports of hail have come in from residents in Albert Lea, Alden, Freeborn, Lerdal, Wells and Walters, with some as large as quarters.

The storm brought tornado warnings to most of the area, and many businesses, school districts and others canceled activities in the late afternoon in anticipation of the storm. Some schools even dismissed early.

The Albert Lea Salvation Army remained open as a shelter to those in need.

Though there were many unknowns going into the evening, the National Weather Service stated the storm had the potential of producing strong tornadoes. Residents in large part heeded the call for preparation.

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