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Widespread severe storms are likely Monday, with the greatest threat in the late afternoon and early evening, according to the National Weather Service. 

Albert Lea and all of south central Minnesota are in moderate risk, rated 4 out of 5. All hazards are likely, including large hail, damaging winds, frequent lightning and tornadoes, a few of which could be strong (EF-2 or higher).

People are advised to know their safe places to shelter and to have multiple ways to receive warnings. 

According to a briefing issued Monday morning, the tornado threat is dependent on the structure of the storm, with the highest likelihood for strong tornadoes is in early evening. It states Albert Lea and the surrounding area have a 15 to 29% probability of a tornado, and a greater than 10% probability of having a significant tornado, rated EF2 to EF5.  

The threat for large and damaging hail is dependent on how the storms initially form. The Weather Service states if isolated supercells form, the threat for damaging hail greatly increases.

The weather agency stated in addition to the afternoon and evening threat, there is also a threat for large hail and damaging wind this morning.