Severe storms, tornado warnings hit Eastern Iowa (2024)

Published: Apr. 16, 2024 at 5:37 AM CDT|Updated: Apr. 16, 2024 at 5:02 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Storms developing to our southwest will continue to track northeast, carrying a risk for severe weather reports as they do.

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See viewer photos of the storm here.

Your First Alert: Large hail, tornadoes possible with severe storms

A Tornado Watch has been posted for most of the TV9 viewing area for this afternoon and evening.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the KCRG-TV9 viewing area within a somewhat higher risk area called an “enhanced risk.” This orange-shaded area has expanded farther north since yesterday morning’s outlooks, owing to an expected further northward progression of a warm front today. A slight risk in yellow covers the remainder of the viewing area.

A potential for two rounds of storms is with us for the remainder of Tuesday. The first one round will likely arrive late this morning, from around Noon to 2 p.m., and carry the threat for some severe storms to be embedded within it. Large hail, damaging wind, and an isolated tornado could take place.

At least one more round of storms will be possible by early afternoon in our western counties, spreading to the northeast throughout the afternoon into the evening. This round will also carry the threat for severe weather, with all of the above mentioned hazards again possible. If some clearing takes place between the two rounds, this final line of storms could contain the highest risk for tornadic activity, as well as large hail and damaging winds.

The bottom line here is that you really will need to stay weather-aware for several hours today. Unlike some severe weather threats that come in one round and end, we could face multiple incidences of a severe storm in any given area today. Don’t let your guard down until later this evening, likely after 7 or 8 o’clock in our east, when cooler and drier air finally begins to arrive.

The biggest threats today still appear to be large hail and tornadoes. A few hailstones today could exceed 2 inches in diameter, which can do some damage. If you have the chance to park your vehicle in a covered structure today, it’s probably a good idea to do so. The tornadic threat will depend somewhat on our ability to recharge the energy in the atmosphere between rounds of storms. If we can, a tornado or two could be on the stronger side.

Outside of thunderstorms today, wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible due to the strength of the nearby storm system and its associated wind fields. These gusts may be strongest in our western and northern counties, where a Wind Advisory is in effect until this evening.

What you should do to be ready for severe weather

It is important to have multiple, reliable ways to get severe weather information. Don’t rely on just one and especially do not rely on outdoor warning sirens alone. They are not designed to be heard indoors and should not be your first line of defense when it comes to severe weather. 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.

Heads up: The NOAA Weather Radio station that serves Cedar Rapids and most of Linn County is not operational today.

Shower chances linger, but risk for intense weather passes

A few showers and storms remain possible overnight as the large low pressure center moves through the region. The risk for severe storms will continue to diminish overnight, turning into a chance for just some showers on Wednesday. Even then, many areas will stay dry for much of the day with temperatures in the low to mid 60s and windy conditions.

Thursday poses a higher chance for shower activity around the area as another disturbance moves through. Severe weather, or thunderstorms at all, appears quite unlikely. Temperatures continue their slide, only reaching the mid 50s at best.

When all is said and done between now and Thursday, we could see some substantial rainfall totals out of these storm systems. 1 to 3 inches of rain are possible in many areas, with the heaviest rainfall potential encompassing some of our worst drought areas.

Drier and cooler weather sticks around this weekend, with highs staying below normal and lows potentially dropping into the 20s for some. A warming trend resumes next week, with highs pushing back into the 60s. Some showers again appear possible by next Tuesday.

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