Severe weather in effect in Eastern Iowa (2024)

Published: May. 21, 2024 at 1:55 PM CDT|Updated: 17 hours ago

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Tornado warnings and flash flood warnings have hit multiple Eastern Iowa Counties throughout the day.

A tornado warning is in effect in Allamakee until 7:15 pm. A tornado watch is in effect for all other Eastern Iowa counties until 9:00 pm.

Butler County has reportedly been hit hard by the storms, with emergency management officials reporting multiple power poles being tipped over, tree limbs on power lines, and at least one roof being partially blown off a hog barn.

Tama County has reported power lines down on Highway 8 near Traer.

Officials in Buchanan County have reported multiple roofs blown off and power lines down across the county. Independence and Fairbanks have reported multiple homes being damaged.

PREVIOUS: Multiple tornado warnings have hit Eastern Iowa in Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Clayton, Fayette, Franklin, Grundy, Hardin, Mahaska, Marshall, Wapello, and Winneshiek counties.

Your First Alert: Strongest storms still to come

A line of severe storms has now reached I-35 and will enter Eastern Iowa by 5p.m. The line carries with it the potential for damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail in eastern Iowa.

A tornado watch has been issued for all of eastern Iowa until 9 PM this evening. The Storm Prediction Center, which issues these watches, is calling this a particularly dangerous situation as storms will enter an environment favorable for severe weather including energy from warm and humid air and support from winds at the surface through the upper-levels. This coincides with the arrival of a cold front that will quickly sweep across the state, serving as the focus for new thunderstorm development.. Strong, long-track tornadoes and damaging winds of 60-90 mph are possible. Very large hail that could reach 3-4″ on the top end is also a possibility.

The threat for damaging winds and tornadoes represents the highest risk of the day, with large hail still a possibility but a bit of a secondary threat given the expected nature of the storms. Winds could reach 60 to 90 mph at times within the strongest storms, and a few of the tornadoes could be on the strong side, too.

Storms will track to the east fairly quickly, at 50 to 60 mph, reaching the center of the viewing area (a north-south line from Decorah through Cedar Rapids and Iowa City to Washington) around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and progressing toward the Mississippi River by 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Due to the fast nature of these storms, you will have less time to react than normal. Please seek shelter in a sturdy sturcutre, on the lowest floor of your home, away from windows as these storms pass through. Use time ahead of the storms to place a safety kit in your safe place. This can include extra batteries, a flashlight, close-toed shoes, water, and non-perishable food items. It can even be a good idea to place your bike helmet there for an extra layer of protection should it be needed.

Mobile homes are never a safe shelter. If there is a storm shelter at your development, be sure you are ready to act quickly to get there in time. If that is not an option, consider spending the evening at a friends house or even at a public place like a library or mall if possible.

If out and about, find a substantial shelter as storms move through. In a last resort, lay low in a ditch and cover your head and neck.

A threat for flash flooding remains following torrential rain for some this morning. A Flood Watch is in effect for many areas. Be ready to act quickly if you live in an area prone to flash flooding. If you encounter a flooded area, do not drive through it. Remember the phrase “Turn around, don’t drown!” Take the time to find an alternate route instead.

Outside of thunderstorms today, temperatures will warm into the mid 70s north, to the low to mid 80s south. Winds will also increase outside of any thunderstorm activity, with gusts between 30 to 40 mph between about Noon and 9:00 p.m. tonight.

Be prepared ahead of time

Check back with us for additional updates. We’ll have them here on KCRG.com, on KCRG-TV9, and the KCRG-TV9 First Alert Weather app. It is important to have multiple, reliable ways to get severe weather information, so this might be a good chance to check up on those. Consider getting a NOAA weather radio or check that your existing one is working properly and has new batteries. Make sure that wireless emergency alerts are turned on in your smartphone settings. Download the First Alert Weather App and check that your notifications and “follow me” feature are turned on or sign up for WeatherCall to get a personal call from us when severe weather strikes as an extra layer of protection.

A midweek break

After the cold front clears the viewing area by late evening tonight, our winds will shift to the west and remain gusty. This will bring in more stable air, bringing an end to any additional threat for severe storms or even any precipitation. Temperatures will drop into the low 50s as cooler air returns. This change in air mass should set up a pretty decent day for Wednesday, with still breezy west-southwest winds but temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Humidity should also be less noticeable.

Similar conditions are expected on Thursday, with even a bit more sunshine likely. Winds should also turn a bit lighter, but we may see somewhat warmer temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.

Your First Alert: A few storm chances toward Memorial Day weekend

A generally active weather pattern remains ongoing, with the chance for more storms arriving this weekend. It appears the best chance will come on Friday as a storm system moves through the region. Some of this activity could last into Friday night, though we should see drier and sunnier conditions for Saturday.

Additional slim chances for showers and storms exist on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday toward the end of the long holiday weekend. There will likely be dry times on these days, too, and we may be able to pare back some of these chances as we get a little closer to the weekend. Stay tuned!

Temperatures during this time frame will be near or slightly above normal for this time of year, with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low to mid 50s.

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