Des Moines, Iowa – Severe storms may roll into northwest Iowa just after midnight Saturday, with the threat expanding across the state by Sunday afternoon as a cold front pushes through.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, areas from Sioux City to Dubuque could experience damaging wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall, and isolated large hail between late Saturday and Sunday night. The highest risk zone on Sunday includes central and eastern Iowa, with a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk expected.
Cities like Mason City, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids should prepare for scattered afternoon storms that could quickly intensify. Local emergency management urges residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight and keep devices charged in case of power outages. Travel could be impacted by ponding on roads and reduced visibility during downpours.
Saturday night’s storms are likely to stay isolated, primarily affecting northwestern counties such as Lyon, Sioux, and Plymouth. Sunday’s threat broadens, including Polk, Linn, and Johnson counties during peak evening hours.
Storm activity is expected to diminish by early Monday. More updates and alerts may be issued as the front moves east.
