Mason City, Iowa – Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected across north-central Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin this afternoon, with the highest risk for damaging winds and torrential rain between 2 and 10 p.m. today.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, clusters of storms will develop over south-central Minnesota and northern Iowa before moving eastward. Areas like Mason City, Charles City, and Waterloo face a Level 2 (Slight) risk, with locally damaging wind gusts and flooding rainfall. A brief, weak tornado cannot be ruled out under the right conditions.
Cities further east, including La Crosse, Viroqua, and Black River Falls, are under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk. Though the tornado potential is low, the evening commute could be impacted by downpours and strong wind gusts, especially along I-90 and U.S. Highway 63.
Residents with outdoor plans should stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Those in mobile homes or flood-prone areas should be ready to shelter quickly.
Storm activity may persist into the overnight hours, with more updates possible if conditions intensify.
