Eastern Iowa Faces 70+ mph Storms Friday Night as Line of Severe Cells Sweeps Southeast
Updated
Updated · KGAN TV · May 15
Eastern Iowa Faces 70+ mph Storms Friday Night as Line of Severe Cells Sweeps Southeast
4 articles · Updated · KGAN TV · May 15
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers parts of eastern Iowa Friday evening into early night, with damaging wind gusts above 70 mph and hail larger than 1 inch possible.
Storms are expected to develop around 7 p.m. and organize into a fast-moving line from northwest to southeast, producing pockets of 60-75 mph winds capable of significant localized damage.
New Hampton and Oelwein could be hit around 7-8 p.m., Waterloo near 8-9 p.m., Cedar Rapids near 9-10 p.m., and Iowa City around 9:30-10:30 p.m.
Roofs, siding and trees are at risk, and power outages and hazardous late-night travel are possible as debris may be hard to spot.
Forecasters urged residents to keep at least two ways to receive alerts, noting a watch means conditions are favorable and a warning means immediate action is needed.
With severe storms intensifying, how are Iowa's building codes adapting to prevent another multi-billion dollar disaster?
When power and cell service fail, what single device is the most reliable lifeline for receiving critical weather alerts?
What single factor most determines whether hail damage will cost you hundreds or thousands, even with comprehensive insurance?