The National Weather Service out of La Crosse, Wisconsin has issued a flash flood warning for west central Mower County until 7 p.m. tonight.

Local law enforcement has reported flooding in the city of Austin with rainfall estimates of 3-4 inches having fallen in the past two hours. As rain persists through 5 p.m. tonight, flooding could worsen.

Mower County, along with Dodge and Steele counties have also been placed under tornado watch until 10 p.m. tonight.

The area has been buffeted by storms and heavy rains throughout the day and is expected to continue into the night.

According to scanner traffic and the National Weather Service, cloud rotation was radar indicated. Storm spotters in Austin, Lyle and Adams have been called out.

Austin, Mower County and much of southeast Minnesota, along with portions of northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin are still under a flash flood watch.

The watch took affect early this morning and will extend to 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Heavy rainfall associated with thunderstorms moving through the area have the potential of dumping one to two inches per hour.

People should prepare for rapidly rising water and possibly flooding near river, stream or low lying areas.