Severe weather is still expected across much of Iowa tonight and tomorrow, but the risk for tornadoes has diminished. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jeff Johnson says the latest forecast shows the area with greatest potential for severe storms is south of Iowa.
“There are indications that the system will be coming out somewhat split,” Johnson said. “What that means is the storm over the southern and central plains may be more dominate and take up a lot of the heavier precipitation and severe weather risk. Up here in the north, there’s perhaps a little bit less precipitation and a little less risk of severe weather.”
But, Johnson warns scattered thunderstorms, damaging winds and hail remain a possibility – especially across the southern third of the state. “Southern Iowa, Missouri and down into Oklahoma looks to be a little bit more under the gun for the significant severe weather threat,” Johnson said.
“However, I still think we’re going to see some pretty decent rains in Iowa, with the eastern counties probably getting the most – over an inch. In central Iowa, maybe a half inch to an inch.” The storms should exit the state by Saturday night. Johnson notes the weather conditions could quickly change during the storms.
Officials at Iowa State University in Ames say they’re closely monitoring the storm system and have safety plans in place as the Cyclones host Kansas State in football at 11 a.m. Saturday. The I.S.U. Athletic Department reports all 56,800 tickets have been sold and it’s expected to be the largest home crowd in Iowa State football history.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City