Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans should use the next 48 hours to prepare for a potentially active severe weather day as multiple rounds of thunderstorms threaten the state from early Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, severe storms could develop in two separate waves between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, with the highest risk centered across southeast Iowa. Forecasters warn that all severe weather hazards remain possible, including large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and localized flash flooding.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of southeast Iowa under a Level 3 Enhanced Risk, indicating numerous severe storms are possible. Cities including Ottumwa, Fairfield, Oskaloosa and surrounding communities face the greatest threat. A broader Level 2 Slight Risk extends through central Iowa, including Des Moines, Iowa City and Marshalltown, while northern Iowa remains under a lower Level 1 risk.
Damaging wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, large hail that could damage vehicles and roofs, and isolated tornadoes are all concerns as storms intensify. Heavy rainfall may also lead to localized flooding, especially in areas that experience repeated rounds of thunderstorms.
Forecasters note that uncertainty remains regarding exactly where the strongest afternoon storms will develop, but confidence is increasing that at least one period of severe weather will affect parts of the state.
Residents should review severe weather safety plans now, ensure emergency alerts are enabled on mobile devices and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Additional watches and outlook updates are expected as Wednesday approaches.
