(Des Moines) A line of storms is expected to develop from Nebraska into Iowa during the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday. The setup includes a boundary, formed by a dryline and an incoming front, which often helps trigger storms across the Plains and Midwest.
Storms are expected to affect much of Iowa, including the southwest part of the state. The main concerns with these storms are damaging straight-line winds and some hail, which could range from small to possibly severe. The risk of tornadoes appears low, but it is not zero.
Conditions have improved compared to earlier in the week, with more moisture returning to the area to support storm development. Even so, forecasts indicate the system will likely take on a more linear structure, which is generally less favorable for tornado formation. As a result, the focus is expected to be more on wind damage rather than widespread tornado activity.
Overall, the chance of storms is high, with a moderate chance of severe weather. The likelihood of a significant or major outbreak is considered low to moderate, and while tornado risk remains low, isolated spin-ups cannot be ruled out.
