Des Moines, IA – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa and Nebraska until 7 AM CDT. Residents are advised to prepare for potential tornadoes, scattered hail up to two inches in diameter, and wind gusts up to 70 mph.
According to the US National Weather Service in Des Moines, the watch covers several central Iowa cities, including Ames, Carroll, and Ottumwa. The alert warns of elevated warm fronts moving over the state, which could lead to storm development after midnight. There is also a potential for severe winds and flash flooding.
As of Tuesday night, most of Iowa remained calm except for a few showers. However, forecasters expect conditions to change dramatically overnight. Storms in north-central Nebraska might advance into central Iowa if they survive. Residents are urged to stay informed through NOAA Weather Radio or other alert systems to receive important notifications, especially if sleeping.
The primary hazards are severe winds and flash flooding. The forecast predicts scattered thunderstorms through the night, with temperatures hovering around 75°F. Wednesday morning will see partly cloudy conditions with temperatures rising to 93°F later in the day. The rest of the week looks clearer, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s.
