Severe Storms Expected Friday Evening: Damaging Winds, Tornado Risks, and Large Hail Possible

(Des Moines) Severe storms are likely on Friday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds being the main threat. There is also some risk for tornadoes and large hail, but to a lesser extent.

The storms are expected to occur primarily between 4 PM and 10 PM, rushing at 50-60 mph. Strong winds are anticipated even outside thunderstorms, particularly from the south-southeast, which may gust up to 45 mph across southern and eastern Iowa, creating near-critical fire weather conditions. Saturday will see brisk winds as well, though not as intense.

As the storms pass through, there will be a brief opportunity for tornadic activity, with the highest likelihood of significant tornadoes (EF2+) in southeastern areas. Hail sizes could range from 0.75 inches (penny) to as large as 2.75 inches (baseball), with the greatest chances for hail exceeding 2 inches in southeast Iowa. The biggest severe weather concern remains damaging winds, with gusts reaching 74 mph or more possible throughout central Iowa.