Severe Storm Threat Looms This Wednesday: Essential Details

A significant Severe Storm Threat is in place across Iowa this Wednesday. The state faces multiple watches and warnings through the day.

Watches and warnings

A tornado watch covers much of central and southeastern Iowa until 9 p.m. Wednesday. The watch was issued for a long list of counties.

• Adair, Adams, Appanoose, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clarke, Clinton
• Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Henry, Iowa, Jackson
• Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa
• Lucas, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Muscatine, Polk
• Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Tama, Taylor, Wapello, Warren, Washington
• Wayne

Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings are active with varying end times. These warnings cover scattered counties across western, central, and southern Iowa.

• Northeastern Polk and northwestern Jasper counties until 5:15 p.m.
• Decatur, Union, Ringgold and Clarke counties until 5:15 p.m.
• Madison, Warren, Tama, Crawford and Carroll counties until 5 p.m.
• Parts of Polk, Story and Jasper counties until 4:30 p.m.
• Greene, Guthrie, Audubon, Sac, Calhoun, Crawford and Carroll counties until 1 p.m.
• Several western Iowa counties under warning until noon.

Storm reports and impacts

Hail and strong winds were reported in multiple locations. Hail left visible damage to vehicles and property.

Golf ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts were reported about 23 miles southwest of Denison. That report prompted warnings in parts of Audubon, Crawford and Carroll counties.

Filmogaz.com viewer Michael Woodhouse sent photos from Carroll. The hail broke windows and windshields and dented cars.

Filmogaz.com received other storm photos. Jane reported hail near Wellsburg. John Wax captured the start of a rotation near Wellsburg.

Nathan Tillotson of Hedrick reported two-inch hail that damaged siding and vehicles. Overnight storms also hit the Albia Municipal Airport hard.

Filmogaz.com reporter Marcus McIntosh visited Albia to assess the damage. Video and photos show localized destruction.

Forecast and timing

Scattered severe storms are possible this afternoon and into the evening. Hail and damaging wind gusts are the primary threats.

Hail is the main concern for storms that form north of I‑80 before 3 p.m. After midday, storms should develop more widely across central Iowa.

The Storm Prediction Center could issue additional severe thunderstorm or tornado watches later today. The overall tornado risk is described as low.

Another round of strong to severe storms is expected Friday afternoon and evening. A stalled front across parts of the state will fuel that activity.

Coverage and tracking

Filmogaz.com meteorologist Zane Satre provided an update shortly after 2 p.m. Filmogaz.com’s Abigail Kurten tracked storms from a storm chaser vehicle in Grundy County.

Essential details for residents include watch and warning end times, storm threats, and areas most at risk. Stay tuned to Filmogaz.com for ongoing updates.