Severe Weather Threat Increasing for Friday

Forecasters say it’s looking more likely that eastern Iowa will see severe weather on Friday.

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded our risk for severe weather to a Level 3 Enhanced Risk, with storms expected to move in late Friday afternoon and evening. 

The potential exists for widespread damaging winds, along with isolated tornadoes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brian Pierce says this will be a large, fast-moving system.

He says Iowans should stay weather-aware on Friday, especially during the later part of the day from about 5 to 11 pm.

A Wind Advisory is also in effect Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning, with gusts up to 40 to 50 miles per hour. There is also an elevated fire danger risk. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for eastern Iowa Friday afternoon through Friday evening, with outdoor burning not recommended.

Temperatures will warm up well into the 70s on Friday, with some places hitting 80 degrees. Windy and much cooler conditions will move in Saturday.

audio courtesy of Radio Iowa; images courtesy of NWS