Severe Storms Threaten Iowa This Afternoon and Evening

Powerful thunderstorms are in the forecast, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:27am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dramatic landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and gold, depicting an expansive, atmospheric scene of an approaching storm system. The composition uses deep perspective and dramatic lighting to convey the overwhelming power of the weather, with a small, obscured farmhouse or other rural structure barely visible in the foreground.As a powerful storm system approaches, the vast, sublime scale of the natural world dwarfs the rural landscape below.Fort Dodge Today

Iowa is bracing for a severe weather threat this afternoon and evening, as a stationary front draped over the state is expected to fire off powerful thunderstorms. The storms could bring large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes, with the highest risk in central and eastern parts of the state. The storms are expected to develop along the I-35 corridor and push eastward through the evening hours.

Why it matters

Severe weather can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as pose a threat to public safety. Iowa has a history of destructive storms, and residents need to be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

The details

The severe weather threat is being driven by a stationary front that is cutting the state in two. As temperatures warm up during the afternoon, this boundary will help trigger the development of thunderstorms. These storms are expected to become more powerful as they move eastward, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes.

  • The storms are expected to develop along the I-35 corridor around 3-4 PM and push eastward through the evening hours.
  • The severe weather threat will continue overnight into Wednesday morning, with another round of strong storms possible later on Wednesday.

The players

Iowa

The state that is under the threat of severe weather, including central and eastern parts of the state.

Stationary Front

A weather boundary that is cutting the state in two and helping to trigger the development of the powerful thunderstorms.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“All modes of severe weather are possible, including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.”

— Jon Rivas, Meteorologist

What’s next

Residents should monitor the weather closely and be prepared to take shelter if severe weather warnings are issued. The threat will continue overnight into Wednesday, with another round of storms possible later in the day.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather in Iowa. Residents should stay vigilant, heed all warnings, and have a plan in place to protect themselves and their property.