An enhanced risk of severe storms still exists for today. We may actually see two rounds of strong storms, one late this morning if a storm complex out to the west in Northern Iowa can hold together, and a second complex may develop later this afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front. Regional radar picture this morning shows a very strong line of thunderstorms currently moving through northern Iowa. If these maintain strength and don’t weaken as they approach the area, damaging winds will be the primary threat as they move through later this morning.
For this afternoon, if we can break out into some sunshine this will help to enhance the threat of more severe storms as we head into the late afternoon and early evening hours as a cold front approaches the area from the northwest.
Storms this afternoon will be capable of all severe weather types, including very large hail in excess of 1″ in diameter, strong wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH, isolated tornadoes (this risk appears to be greatest near the warm front on the WI/IL border) and very heavy rainfall.
Timing for the storms today, late this morning (11a-1p) and then possibly again later this afternoon (4p-8p). Make sure and stay weather aware throughout the day. We’ll pass along any watches/warnings as they are issued.
