Des Moines, IA – A tornado threat is developing across the Midwest this afternoon, with storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes through the evening hours.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. CDT for parts of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and southern Wisconsin. Forecasters warn that a few tornadoes are likely, including the potential for a couple of stronger tornadoes, along with wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail up to 2 inches in diameter.
Cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Peoria, and Kirksville are all within the watch area. Storms are expected to intensify through the late afternoon and track east, impacting both urban and rural areas with rapidly changing conditions.
Major corridors including Interstate 80 and Interstate 74 could see sudden drops in visibility and dangerous crosswinds during peak travel hours.
Residents are urged to stay alert and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Move indoors immediately if warnings are issued and avoid travel during severe storms.
The tornado threat will continue through 8 p.m., with additional warnings likely as storms develop and move east.
