2"+ Hail Metro Area - Tornado Threat West of Mankato

Tornado on the Ground? We're getting evidence of very strong rotation with the cell near New Ulm, near Fairfax - west of Mankato. Strong hook echo - tornado index of 7.8 (last week the Wadena tornado had a tornado index of 7.2). A dangerous situation - especially near Sleepy Eye, New Ulm and Fairfax - could move into the Mankato area shortly. Meanwhile severe storm warnings posted for the metro area - evidence of 2.3" diameter hail southern suburbs of Minneapolis - capable of significant (hail) damage. No reports of tornadoes in the immediate metro - tornado watch remains posted until midnight.