Des Moines, Iowa – Severe thunderstorms are expected to move across Iowa Friday evening, with the highest risk for severe weather between 5 PM and 11 PM.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines says storms could begin entering southwest Iowa as early as 4 PM, but the most likely arrival time for many areas is around 5 PM.
The strongest storms are expected to develop during the evening hours as they move northeast across the state.
Cities including Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Des Moines, Ames, Fort Dodge, and Waterloo may see strong to severe storms as the system tracks across central Iowa.
Forecasters warn that the primary hazards will be large hail and damaging wind gusts, though a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
The severe weather risk has been classified as an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) across parts of southwest and southern Iowa, indicating that numerous severe storms are possible.
Meteorologists expect storms to continue moving across the state during the evening before gradually exiting Iowa around midnight, although storms could linger until about 3 AM in southeastern Iowa.
Drivers traveling along major routes such as Interstate 80, Interstate 35, and Interstate 29 could encounter heavy rain, lightning, and sudden strong wind gusts as storms pass through.
Residents are urged to stay weather aware throughout the evening and have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, especially if outdoor plans are scheduled during the storm window.
If warnings are issued, officials advise residents to seek shelter indoors and move away from windows until storms pass.
Additional forecast updates are expected as meteorologists continue monitoring storm development.
