The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has posted a moderate risk for severe weather for extreme east central Iowa today with an elevated risk elsewhere. An upper trough is expected to move into Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois along with a low pressure center and trailing cold front by late evening. Early in the morning, storms will likely be ongoing as a possible Mesoscale Convective System moves across Northern Iowa. As the day goes on and the low pressure develops into the area, storms will begin growing more upscale as the airmass begins to destabilize.

Several cells will be possible during the evening with the airmass destabilizing before the cells begin to form a cluster, possibly a derecho, introducing an widespread damaging wind threat. Due to this, the Storm Prediction Center has added a 45%, or moderate risk, of damaging winds. This is our primary concern with this event. Another threat, hail, possibly wind driven, will also be possible during the evening and overnight hours, along with an enhanced 10% risk for tornadoes. This could easily develop into a dangerous situation for Eastern Iowa and surrounding areas.

Stay tuned to the Iowa Weather Network for the latest information on this threat.