Tornadoes reported in 2 southern Minnesota cities

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Tornado in Pipestone, Minnesota on June 14, 2016. Photo credit: Sue Bury.

Storms developed mid-day Tuesday in southwestern Minnesota, where there were reports of a possible tornado touchdown near Pipestone, Minn. just before 2 p.m. At about 3:30 p.m., there was a reported tornado touchdown in Vernon Center, Minn. in Blue Earth County. GET THE FOX WEATHER APP

A tornado watch covering the Twin Cities metro remained in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Fox 9 tornado emergency checklist

Large plastic bin with lid ____

Flashlight ____

Battery powered radio ____

First aid kit ____

Bicycle helmets (to protect your head) ____

Whistle (to call for help if you are trapped) ____

Extra clothing/blankets ____

Extra shoes (to walk over damage/debris) ____

Extra car keys ____

Extra credit card/cash/travelers checks ____

Extra batteries (for all electronic items) ____

Bottled water (1 per person) ____

Snacks (granola bars) ____

Conduct severe weather safety drills every year on May 1 and designate an area of your house as your "safe room". Keep the emergency kit in the safe room at all times.

Your safe room should be a windowless interior room, preferably in the basement.

Pick two meeting places, one near your house/one outside of your neighborhood, just in case family members get separated:

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

Choose an out of town friend or relative to act as your family "check-in" contact for everyone to call in case you are separated. This is important for parents who work out of the home and kids in school and after school activities:

Contact and phone number(s): ___________________________________________