A tornado watch is in effect for much of central and eastern Iowa until 10 p.m. Monday, July 20.
The watch comes after a day of extreme heat and warnings from meteorologists that conditions would be favorable for strong wind gusts and severe storms.
Here’s what we know about the risk of storms across Iowa for Monday night.
What are NWS meteorologists saying about the tornado watch in Iowa?
The tornado watch for Iowa includes 47 of the state’s 99 counties, stretching from the Des Moines metro area to Iowa City and northeast Iowa.
Supercells storms are developing across northern Iowa, as of 3:05 p.m. Monday, July 20. Forecasters at the National Weather Service expect these storms to push southeast across Iowa through the evening.
The primary threats from any storms include:
Some severe storms have already developed in northern Iowa, with severe thunderstorm warnings popping up near the Interstate 35 corridor.
Des Moines area weather radar
Is RAGBRAI under a tornado watch?
Monday’s overnight town, Guthrie Center, is included in the tornado watch. Guthrie County is the on the far western edge of the watch area.
Riders on RAGBRAI should stay alert for any storms to develop and have a way to receive weather alerts. RAGBRAI recommends using the Smart911 app.
Official emergency shelters in Guthrie Center are available in the main RAGBRAI campground, at the Guthrie County fairgrounds and in several locations near the main vendor and entertainment area.
How do you stay safe during a tornado?
Get as low as possible, the National Weather Service says. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety. Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Avoid windows.
What should you do if you’re driving during a tornado warning?
If you’re driving, particularly on highways, do not try to outrun a tornado.
If you are driving in an area with a tornado warning, you should look for ways to safely get off the road and out of your vehicle, preferably by seeking refuge in a sturdy building.
As a last resort, lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?
A tornado watch is when the conditions are primed for a tornado, but no tornado has formed. Tornado watches can last hours, and a tornado may never touch down.
A tornado warning is when a tornado is imminent, like rotation in the clouds, or one has already touched down. Take shelter immediately.
Iowa weather watches and warnings
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Brian Smith is a senior editor and audience strategist at the Des Moines Register. Contact him at bsmith@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Tornado watch extends from Des Moines to eastern Iowa for Monday night
Reporting by Brian Smith and Brandi D. Addison, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Smith and Brandi D. Addison, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
