Home / Weather / Iowa Braces for Severe Storms: Tornado Watch Issued
Iowa Braces for Severe Storms: Tornado Watch Issued
21 Jul
Summary
- A tornado watch is active for 47 Iowa counties until 10 p.m. Monday.
- Supercell storms are developing and expected to move southeast across Iowa.
- RAGBRAI's overnight town, Guthrie Center, is within the tornado watch area.
A critical tornado watch has been issued for 47 counties across central and eastern Iowa, remaining in effect until 10 p.m. on Monday, July 20. This alert follows a period of extreme heat and warnings from meteorologists about the potential for severe weather.
National Weather Service forecasters are closely monitoring supercell storms that have begun forming in northern Iowa. These powerful storm systems are expected to track southeastward across the state throughout the evening, posing significant risks.
The alert encompasses areas from the Des Moines metro region eastward to Iowa City and into northeast Iowa. Severe thunderstorm warnings have already been posted near the Interstate 35 corridor as storms intensify.
Cyclists participating in RAGBRAI are particularly advised to remain vigilant. Guthrie Center, the scheduled overnight stop, falls within the western edge of the tornado watch area. Riders are urged to have a reliable method for receiving weather alerts and to be aware of designated emergency shelters available in Guthrie Center.
