Sioux City, Iowa – Severe thunderstorms are threatening communities across northwest Iowa Friday night, with damaging winds and large hail possible in several counties through 3 a.m. Saturday. Residents in Lyon, Sioux, Plymouth, Dickinson, Osceola, Clay, and O’Brien counties are urged to stay alert as storms sweep through the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for northwest Iowa until 3 a.m. CDT. Forecasters warn that wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, downing trees and power lines, while hail may dent vehicles and damage crops. The watch area includes major highways like U.S. Highway 75 and Iowa Highway 60, where travel could become hazardous during intense downpours.
Emergency managers recommend avoiding non-essential travel overnight, especially as storms may develop quickly with little warning. Residents should charge phones and keep flashlights ready in case of outages. Those in mobile homes or weak structures should have a safer shelter plan.
This storm system marks one of the strongest to hit the region so far this July. Further watches or warnings may be issued if conditions worsen. Severe Thunderstorm Watch 524 remains active until 3 a.m. Saturday—updates will follow if new threats emerge.
