A line of strong thunderstorms pushing through the area is expected to hit Austin and Brownsdale around 4:15 p.m., according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service.

Parts of Steele County, including Blooming Prairie, were under a severe thunder storm warning.

The storms were expected to be near Blooming Prairie around 3:30 p.m.; however, the worst parts of the storms appeared primed to miss Austin and go just to the north.

The weather service still warned of the chance for heavy rains and storms across the area. The storms were expected to bring golf-size hail and 50-55 mph winds gusts to Blooming Prairie and south Steele County. Some minor flooding and downed trees were reported in Freeborn and Steele counties.

The storm was also expected to hit Johnsburg, Waltham and Mapleview.