Des Moines, Iowa – Severe thunderstorms racing through northern Iowa and southern Minnesota this evening could bring wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail as large as 1.5 inches, threatening travel, power lines, and outdoor plans across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CDT for areas including Waterloo, Mason City, Worthington, and Rochester. Bands of storms are expected to intensify through sunset, driven by a volatile atmosphere with high instability and strong wind shear.
Communities along and near I-35 and U.S. Route 20 should prepare for sudden downpours, tree damage, and potential power outages. Emergency officials recommend staying indoors, securing loose outdoor items, and avoiding travel during severe warnings.
In Minnesota, storm clusters are moving east-southeast, especially across southern counties like Freeborn, Mower, and Faribault. This marks the most intense severe threat for the region so far this June.
More watches or warnings could be issued as storms evolve tonight. Residents are urged to monitor local alerts and have a backup power source ready if outages occur.
