Prompts winter weather advisories as cold air moves in Friday night

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Minnesota is gearing up for a band of strong storms that are expected to move across the state throughout Wednesday and overnight. 

Flash flood risk expanding for much of Minnesota including the Twin Cities

1:30 p.m.: Flash flooding in north Twin Cities metro

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for central Anoka County and northwest and northeast Hennepin County until 2:15 p.m. 

Thunderstorms are producing heavy rain over Champlin, about 15 miles north of Minneapolis. The NWS said the expected rainfall rate is 1-2 inches in an hour. Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches is possible. 

Cities that could experience flash flooding include Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover, Fridley, Champlin, Anoka, Ham Lake, Corcoran, Osseo and Blaine Airport. 

1 p.m.: Flash flood warning in central Minnesota

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in western Benton County and northeastern Stearns County until 1:15 p.m. 

Thunderstorms in the Albany area have produced about 3-4 inches of rain. The NWS said 1-2 inches of rain are still possible in the area. 

Locations that could experience flash flooding include Sauk Rapids, Collegeville, and Albany.

11:30 a.m.: Flash flooding in northeastern Minnesota

The National Weather Service said areas in northeastern Minnesota are seeing flash flooding. 

It said there are reports of 6-12 inches of water over roads in Ely. 

The flash flood warning for northwestern Lake County and northeastern St. Louis County is in effect until 1:45 p.m. Between 1.5-3 inches have fallen in the area, and up to an inch of rain could still fall. 

The National Weather Service said trained spotters have observed flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. 

8 a.m.: Flash flood warning in Bemidji area

A flash flood warning has been issued for southern Beltrami County. The National Weather Service says radar indicates thunderstorms in the area could produce heavy rain. The area, which includes Bemidji, could get rainfall of 1 to 3 inches in a short duration. 

There’s also a flood watch in effect for a larger portion of the state until Thursday morning. Counties under that flood watch include Clay, East Becker, East Otter Tail, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Norman, South Beltrami, South Clearwater, Wadena, West Becker, West Otter Tail and Wilkin. Southeast North Dakota is also under flood watch. 

Timothy Lynch is a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Grand Forks. He said the service issued a flash flood warning in Bemidji because of ongoing impacts of 

“They have some clogged drains and things out there, and are more prone to flooding at the moment,” Lynch said. “We’re just kind of concerned about the heavier rainfall rates right now.”

The National Weather Service says most flood deaths occur in vehicles. It's urging drivers to stay off flooded roads.

“Just be mindful of where you're driving. Most areas probably won’t have any issues, but if you have water standing over a roadway, or especially flowing over a roadway, our advice is don’t chance it, just turn around, find you a different path. There’s no telling if the road’s still there or not,” Lynch said. 

Southern Minnesota is in for a heat advisory with highs in the 90s and thick humidity, making conditions Wednesday afternoon and evening especially dangerous for that part of the state. 

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Minnesota is gearing up for a band of strong storms that are expected to move across the state throughout Wednesday and overnight. The National Weather Service says parts of the state are seeing flash flooding. 

Flood watches and warnings continue, including flash flooding reports in northeastern Minnesota

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