The Iowa Storm Chasing Network says a “Very dangerous situation” could be in the works for this afternoon and this evening, where the development of destructive tornadoes is concerned. The enhanced risk exists over a large portion of Iowa.

Thunder and lightning awakened many Iowans this morning (Friday) as a potent, large storm system began to bear down on the state. Numerous thunderstorm watches and warnings were issued in the wee hours. Meteorologist Brad Small, at the National Weather Service, says the next several hours will be an active period for weather across much of the state. “The potential is still there for more activity later in the day,” Small says. “There’s a moderate risk of severe weather over northern Iowa and into parts of central Iowa. That would mean all kinds of severe weather, large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes are all possible in that area.” To the west, Small says it’s much less like early fall and much more like the dead of winter as Blizzard Warnings and Winter Storm Watches are in effect in South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming.

“There’s heavy snow in the Black Hills, thankfully we’ll miss out on that but temperatures will be sharply colder by tomorrow,” Small says. “It’s a big change from what we’ve seen the past few days. Highs will only be in the 50s and 60s.” Iowans can count their blessings as some states to the west have a forecast that includes 12 to 20-inches of snow and strong winds, bringing white-out conditions.

(Radio Iowa/Iowa Storm Chasers Network)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Strong thunderstorms moving through Iowa are leaving tree branches scattered and in some locations breaking through power lines causing outages.  MidAmerican Energy reports 1,640 customers without power with most of them located in the Des Moines area but dozens in Council Bluffs and Sioux City.  Alliant Energy says it has 350 customers out mostly around Boone.  No injuries have been reported.

The storms packed winds estimated at 70 miles per hour as they moved through central Iowa. Tree branches as large as 7 inches in diameter were knocked from trees. Hail at least  3/4 of an inch around was reported in some locations. Storms moved quickly across the state but a strong system with the potential for high wind and possible tornado activity will arrive Friday afternoon and evening.