Des Moines, Iowa – Residents across central and eastern Iowa should be prepared to act quickly this evening as conditions favor the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, destructive wind gusts and very large hail before 10 p.m. Monday. Anyone with outdoor plans should have multiple ways to receive warnings, as storms may intensify rapidly.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CDT Monday for a large portion of Iowa and parts of southwest Wisconsin. Forecasters say a few tornadoes are likely, with scattered hail up to tennis ball size and wind gusts reaching 75 mph possible as thunderstorms develop and move across the region.
The watch includes communities such as Des Moines, Ames, Mason City, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Oskaloosa, Decorah and Dubuque. The National Weather Service estimates the watch area includes more than 2.1 million residents, along with 923 schools and 74 hospitals, underscoring the potential for widespread impacts if severe storms strengthen.
Travel could become hazardous with rapidly changing conditions, especially on Interstates 35, 80 and 380, where intense rain, hail and damaging wind could reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, move vehicles under shelter if possible and be ready to seek refuge in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building if a tornado warning is issued.
The Tornado Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. Monday, and additional warnings may be issued as storms develop. Monitor the latest information from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials throughout the evening.
