Des Moines, Iowa – Drivers across Iowa and eastern Nebraska could face dangerous crosswinds and falling tree limbs late Thursday night as powerful wind gusts approach 60 mph along major interstate corridors before the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Des Moines, Omaha, and North Platte, a High Wind Warning begins Thursday evening across eastern Nebraska and spreads across much of Iowa overnight, continuing until 7 to 10 a.m. Friday depending on location. Northwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, while parts of north-central Nebraska could see gusts approaching 65 mph during the daytime Thursday.
Communities including Norfolk, Columbus, Fremont, Blair, Wayne, and Hartington in Nebraska and Des Moines, Ames, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, and Marshalltown in Iowa may experience damaging gusts capable of snapping tree limbs and downing power lines.
Transportation officials warn that Interstate 80 and Interstate 35, along with exposed north–south highways across the plains, could see hazardous crosswinds overnight. High-profile vehicles such as semitrucks, RVs, and trailers face the greatest risk.
Utilities are preparing for the possibility of scattered power outages as winds intensify after sunset Thursday and continue through the overnight hours.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and decorations before winds arrive. Charging phones and electronic devices ahead of the overnight event is also recommended in case power outages occur.
Winds are expected to gradually weaken after sunrise Friday, though lingering gusts could still impact travel through the morning commute.
