Residents across southern and central Iowa are being urged to stay weather aware as multiple rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to move through the state over the next several days.
According to the National Weather Service office in Des Moines, the first chance for strong to severe storms is expected after sunset Thursday, mainly impacting southern Iowa. Additional rounds of severe weather are possible late Friday afternoon through Friday night, with storm chances becoming even more widespread from Saturday through Monday.
Forecasters say the timing and severity of the weekend storms will become clearer as the system develops, but Iowans should be prepared for changing conditions and possible severe weather alerts throughout the holiday weekend period.
Potential hazards with these storms may include damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes depending on how the weather system evolves.
The weather service is encouraging residents, emergency management agencies, schools, and community partners to monitor forecasts closely and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially during overnight hours.
Current weather briefing information is available through the National Weather Service Des Moines briefing packet.
Additional severe weather information and updates can also be found on the National Weather Service Des Moines severe weather page.
https://www.weather.gov/dmx/dsssevere
