First Alert Days Issued for Thursday and Friday

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The First Alert Storm Team has issued First Alert Days for both Thursday and Friday, as eastern Iowa faces the threat of strong to severe storms on both days. The storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

Why it matters

Severe weather can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as pose a threat to public safety. Issuing First Alert Days allows residents to prepare and stay vigilant during the periods of heightened storm risk.

The details

On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, showers and storms will move through eastern Iowa, but the severe weather threat is expected during the afternoon and evening hours, between 3 PM and 8 PM, as a new round of storms develops. These storms will move from southwest to northeast, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. On Friday, a dry period in the morning will allow the atmosphere to refuel, leading to another chance of severe storms in the afternoon and evening, with the southern part of central and southern Iowa facing the highest risk.

• Wednesday night and Thursday morning: Showers and storms, but not severe.
• Thursday afternoon and evening (3 PM to 8 PM): Severe storms expected, moving from southwest to northeast.
• Friday morning: Dry period.
• Friday afternoon and evening: Another chance of severe storms, with the southern part of central and southern Iowa at highest risk.

What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should monitor the weather forecasts closely, have a plan in place for seeking shelter during severe storms, and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.