04/16/2026
**OUTDATED POST, SEE PAGE FOR LATEST UPDATE**
An enhanced risk of severe weather is expected across Iowa on Friday, with conditions coming together for a potentially dangerous severe weather outbreak. Thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and evening, and all hazards will be possible—including tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds.
The greatest concern right now is across eastern Iowa, where the setup may support strong tornadoes (EF3 or greater). This higher-risk area generally runs from near Highway 34 in southeast Iowa north through northeast Iowa. This includes cities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Dubuque, and Decorah.
As warmer, more humid air moves into the state during the day Friday, it will create an unstable atmosphere—fuel for strong storms. At the same time, strong winds higher up in the atmosphere will help storms rotate and stay organized. This combination increases the chance for supercells, which are capable of producing tornadoes.
Storms are expected to begin forming by mid to late afternoon. Early on, these storms may stay more isolated, which is when the tornado threat is highest. A few storms could become intense quickly, and in the eastern part of the state.
As we head into the evening, storms are expected to merge into a line and push east. At that point, the threat may shift more toward widespread damaging winds, but tornadoes could still occur within the line.
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and a plan in place in case severe weather develops Friday.
- Posted Thursday 4/16 at 12:30PM
