Des Moines, Iowa – A tornado watch is in effect for much of central and eastern Iowa until 8 p.m. Friday, placing nearly 40 counties, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, under heightened risk as storms intensify this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 505 covers a wide area from Polk and Linn counties east to the Mississippi River, encompassing cities like Davenport, Ottumwa, and Muscatine. The watch was issued at 12:55 p.m. CDT and warns of the potential for multiple tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail through the evening.
High instability and wind shear are combining to fuel rapidly developing supercells, particularly along the I-35 and I-80 corridors. Outdoor events and evening commutes could be impacted by sudden warnings or storm sirens. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, keep devices charged, and have a safe shelter location identified in advance…