Sioux City, Iowa – Powerful storms are sweeping across northwest Iowa late Friday night, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 4 a.m. Saturday for five counties, including Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, and Sioux. Residents could see damaging winds topping 60 mph and hail up to an inch in diameter as storms track east overnight.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the greatest risk will be in rural areas along the South Dakota border, but fast-moving cells could affect major highways, including U.S. Highway 18 and Iowa Highway 60. Frequent lightning may also lead to power outages.
Emergency managers urge residents to remain indoors and away from windows, charge devices in case of outages, and avoid travel during peak storm activity.
Storm intensity should begin to taper by daybreak Saturday, but forecasters warn additional showers and storms could redevelop later in the weekend as unstable air lingers.
