Severe weather is forecast for later today over portions of Iowa, Nebraska and southeast South Dakota. Meteorologist Rick Chermok is with the National Weather Service.
"The western third of Iowa and the eastern third of Nebraska are kind of the bull’s-eye for the biggest risk of the strongest storms," Chermok said. Some storms producing hail popped up over the region this morning, but Chermok says the bigger threat is expected late this afternoon and evening. He says the storms will develop after 4 p.m. and increase in coverage area through the night. The storms may include heavy rainfall, hail and damaging winds.
"There is a risk of tornadoes with the storms early tonight. It’s looking like an active evening both for hail and tornado threat," Chermok said. Around two-thirds of Iowa’s counties are under a Flash Flood Watch tonight through Friday morning. The watch area covers nearly the entire state, with the exception of south-central, southeast and northeast Iowa. Chermok says thunderstorms could produce widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain.