Mason City, IA – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for northern Iowa, with threats of hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter and the possibility of tornadoes this afternoon.
The watch is effective until 10 p.m. Thursday, covering cities like Mason City and Fairmont. Winds could reach 70 mph, further increasing the storm’s potential to cause significant damage.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should prepare for scattered large hail and isolated severe storms. Authorities recommend staying indoors and avoiding travel as conditions worsen.