Sioux City, Iowa – Northwest Iowa faces a dangerous stretch of storms between 11 p.m. Friday and 3 a.m. Saturday as damaging winds up to 80 mph and large hail sweep through the region under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, an intense cluster of storms is racing southeast and has a history of downing trees and producing hail up to 2 inches. The watch area includes counties near Spencer, Storm Lake, and Sioux City.
Strong winds could knock out power, damage structures, and make nighttime travel on Highways 20 and 75 extremely hazardous. Emergency crews urge residents to shelter indoors and avoid windows during peak wind gusts.
Drivers should postpone travel where possible and charge phones and devices in case of outages. The timing of the threat — when many are asleep — raises concern for delayed warnings.
More alerts could follow as this system progresses through the overnight hours.
