Minnesota braces for major rain events on Friday, Saturday

MINNEAPOLIS — A flood watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening with 2-4 inches of rain expected to fall from two more rounds of storms.

There is a NEXT Weather Alert on Friday into Saturday morning due to the combination of rain and floods.

Friday's high is 75 degrees in the Twin Cities. The first round of showers and storms roll in during the morning hours, becoming more scattered by midday. The storms bring a threat of wind and hail, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out in southern Minnesota, according to NEXT Weather Meteorologists.

A flash flood warning was issued for Rochester and Blooming Prairie, where 1 to 2 inches of rain has fallen. The area could see up to 3 more inches of rain. Weather spotters also reported floods and mudslides near Mankato.

The second round moves in around the same time Saturday morning. Back-to-back rain events will toss salt in the wounds of areas that are already flooded. 

There will likely be some dry time by Saturday night, and we may keep that for a few days. 

Highs return to the 80s with a shot at the upper 80s on Monday and Tuesday.