WILLMAR — A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued Thursday by the National Weather Service for several counties in west central Minnesota.
Wind speeds of 70 miles per hour are predicted to hit Murdock, Kerkhoven, Raymond and Willmar in Chippewa, Swift and Kandiyohi counties. Considerable tree damage, damage to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings is to be expected.
"At 1135 AM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Lake Hassel to 5 miles southwest of Murdock tonear Maynard, moving east at 50 mph. Benson, MN recently reported a gust of 78 MPH," reads part of the warning.
Those in the path of the storm are recommended to go to the lowest floor of a building for their protection.
The warning is expected to last until 12 p.m.
