Des Moines, Iowa – A Tornado Watch remains in effect for 27 counties across central and southwest Iowa until 10 p.m. CST Friday, placing the Des Moines metro, Interstate 35, and Interstate 80 corridors at risk for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Tornado Watch 16 includes Polk, Dallas, Story, Pottawattamie, Warren, Madison, and surrounding counties through late evening as atmospheric conditions support rotating thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and wind gusts up to 70 mph.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly before sunset.
Counties under the watch include Boone, Webster, Carroll, Cass, Shelby, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, Union, Clarke, Decatur, Fremont, and others stretching from the Missouri border north toward central Iowa. Des Moines International Airport and major highways including I-29 and I-35 could see brief closures if warnings are issued.
Residents should secure outdoor objects now and identify a lowest-level shelter location.
Storm development is expected to intensify through early evening, with the greatest tornado potential before 9 p.m. Additional strong storms may redevelop overnight into early Saturday as the system shifts east.
The Tornado Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CST Friday.
