Omaha, Neb. – Severe thunderstorms are moving into western Iowa early Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties until 8 a.m. Damaging winds up to 60 mph and hail the size of quarters are possible in the strongest cells.
According to the NWS Storm Prediction Center, the storm line is tracking eastward across the Missouri River valley with the potential for rapid intensification before sunrise. Drivers on I-29 and I-80 should be prepared for sudden low visibility from heavy rain and wind gusts strong enough to make travel hazardous.
Residents in the watch area are urged to move vehicles indoors, secure outdoor items, and remain weather-aware through the early morning. Power outages are possible if winds down trees or utility lines. The storms are expected to weaken after sunrise as they shift toward central Iowa.
More advisories could follow if new storm development occurs later today.
