Iowa Braces for Severe Storms: Heavy Rain, High Winds, and Tornado Threat!
Des Moines, Iowa – Residents of Iowa are urged to prepare for a series of severe storms sweeping through the state. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for heavy rain, damaging winds, and a low-end tornado threat, starting overnight tonight and continuing through the weekend.
Timeline of the Storms
The initial line of storms is expected to enter northwestern Iowa around 11 PM to midnight, rapidly moving southward and reaching the Des Moines metro area between 3 AM and 4 AM. While the storm line may weaken slightly as it progresses, strong wind gusts remain a significant concern.
Rainfall Projections
Rainfall totals are predicted to reach one to two inches, primarily affecting areas north of Interstate 80. A brief respite from the storms is anticipated for much of Saturday.
Weekend Weather Outlook
However, if skies clear and temperatures rise rapidly on Saturday afternoon, an isolated strong storm could develop, although this scenario is less likely. Another round of storms is expected to move in overnight from Saturday into Sunday, bringing renewed threats of damaging winds and a low-end isolated tornado threat.
Looking Ahead: Heatwave on the Horizon
Following the weekend storms, a lighter chance of showers and storms is forecast for early Monday. Subsequently, temperatures are expected to surge into the low to mid-90s starting Tuesday and persisting throughout the week. Rising dew points will contribute to a sweltering and muggy environment, particularly impacting RAGBRAI participants. Residents are advised to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and monitor local weather updates for the latest information.
Stay Informed
- Check local news and weather websites for updated forecasts.
- Monitor weather alerts and warnings.
- Have a plan in place in case of severe weather.