Des Moines, Iowa – Severe storms are expected to rapidly develop by late Monday afternoon, with tornadoes, destructive winds, and large hail threatening critical infrastructure across Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana through the day.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms will form after 5 p.m. Monday, initially as discrete supercells capable of producing strong tornadoes rated EF2 or higher and hail exceeding 2 inches in diameter. As storms organize into lines overnight, the threat will shift toward widespread damaging wind gusts reaching 70 mph or higher.
The highest impact corridor includes Des Moines, Davenport, Peoria, Chicago, and Indianapolis, with major routes such as I-35, I-80, I-55, and I-65 at risk for sudden closures due to debris, low visibility, and potential flash flooding. Power outages could become widespread if storms intensify along this track, especially in urban areas.
Residents should prepare now by identifying a safe shelter, charging mobile devices, and enabling emergency alerts before storms arrive. Avoid nighttime travel if warnings are issued, and never drive across flooded roadways.
The severe threat will continue into early Tuesday as the system pushes east. Additional watches and warnings are likely Monday afternoon as conditions become more favorable for dangerous storms.
