The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Albert Lea and the surrounding until 10 p.m. today.

The watch covers Freeborn, Faribault, Waseca and 13 other counties in central Minnesota and comes as strong thunderstorms come through the region.

A tornado watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, according to the National Weather Service. The watch covers winds that are 58 mph or higher or hail that is at least 1 inch in diameter.

Look to the Tribune for more information as it is released.