Severe Weather Threat Increasing for Iowa on Wednesday

MASON CITY, Iowa — Iowans are being urged to stay weather-aware Wednesday as the Storm Prediction Center continues to highlight much of the state for the potential of severe thunderstorms.

The greatest concern is focused across central and eastern Iowa, where an Enhanced Risk for severe weather includes areas such as Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Ottumwa and Mason City. A Slight Risk extends farther west into portions of western Iowa.

Forecasters say storms may develop by early Wednesday afternoon in the Upper Mississippi Valley before spreading southeast into the Midwest by mid to late afternoon. In Iowa, the severe weather threat could increase through the afternoon and continue into Wednesday night.

The main threats include scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms, large to very large hail, damaging winds and the possibility of tornadoes. Heavy rainfall and frequent lightning are also possible, and some storms may continue into the evening and overnight hours.

The Storm Prediction Center notes hail may be the initial concern as storms develop, with the damaging wind and tornado threat potentially increasing later in the day as storms move farther into the Midwest.

Residents are encouraged to review their severe weather plans ahead of time, know where to go if a warning is issued and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Phones, weather radios, our local stations and other devices should be charged before storms develop.

Anyone with outdoor, travel or evening plans Wednesday should monitor forecast updates closely.

The National Weather Service says there are several chances for thunderstorms, some severe, from late Tuesday through Thursday across portions of Iowa.

Our weather team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as Wednesday’s severe weather threat becomes clearer.