The latest forecast shows severe weather making its way into Iowa Friday night. National Weather Service Meteorologist Craig Cogill says the initial primary threat will be heavy rain and hail, but the system has the potential to cause more serious damage on Saturday.

“Right now, it looks like the best threat of severe weather is going to be across western Iowa where damaging winds, large hail and possibly a few tornadoes – especially during the late afternoon and evening hours – will be possible,” Cogill said. The much needed rain could range from one to two inches.

If tornadoes touch down over the weekend in Iowa, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. “Usually we see tornadoes in the fall about every other year or every third year,” Cogill said. “Certainly, it’s not a tornado season like we see from late April through June, but it’s not totally out of the question to see fall tornadoes.”

The storm system is expected to leave Iowa Saturday night. The forecast for Sunday calls for highs mainly in the 60s.

Radio Iowa