Des Moines, IA – A tornado watch has been issued for portions of northern Missouri, central to eastern Iowa, and far northwest Illinois until 9 PM CDT. Thunderstorms are expected to strengthen across the region, posing threats of large hail, severe winds, and potential tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch area covers southern, central, and eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois, and northern Missouri. The primary threats include a couple of possible tornadoes, scattered damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail, potentially up to 2 inches in diameter.
Thunderstorms are likely to grow into a bowing cluster by this evening, increasing the risk of damaging winds. The tornado watch area is approximately 55 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles northwest of Lamoni, IA, to 40 miles northeast of Moline, IL. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant and prepared for threatening weather conditions.
