A powerful and large storm system is expected to strengthen as it moves into the region on Wednesday. As this moves out of the area Wednesday night into the Upper Great Lakes region, high winds are expected to overcome the area.

High Wind Warning: NW Quarter

The highest of winds are expected over the northwestern quarter of the state, where the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the majority of Wednesday night, and a Wind Advisory for Thursday. Winds in this area are expected to be sustained at 40-45 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH possible.

High Wind Watch: SW, SC

The reason southern Iowa has not been upgraded to a warning by this point is because of the uncertainty of how strong these winds will get (and whether they’ll get to High Wind Warning criteria). The High Wind Watch here goes for the same time frame as the warning, from Wednesday night through Thursday morning, before being replaced by a Wind Advisory. Slightly lighter winds will be possible here, albeit still a hazard, at 35-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH possible.

Wind Advisory: East

The National Weather Service offices in the east have kept headlines at the advisory level for the eastern one-fourth of the state as the winds there will be lighter than elsewhere, but still will be able to blow things around. This advisory runs from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening for the potential of 25-35 MPH wind gusts, with gusts to 40-45 MPH possible. This is considered a rather high-end advisory, but it likely won’t reach warning criteria, but the threat for higher winds does exist. Bottom line: listen to later forecasts and prepare for possible strong winds.

Stay tuned to the Iowa Weather Network for the latest information!