We’re tracking thunderstorms as they move through western Iowa today. Here’s what to know:Strong storms are most likely during the late afternoon and evening hours Damaging winds will be the main threat for most areas, with law enforcement confirming at least one western Iowa tornadoThe storms prompted Drake Relays officials to adjust schedulesSome Iowa schools dismissed early Iowa weather: Tracking tornado warnings in western IowaTimelapse video: Thunderstorm blows through HarlanConnor Frame shared this timelapse video of Thursday afternoon’s thunderstorm blowing through Harlan.Video: Hailstorm in Rockwell CityKenneth Hildreth of Rockwell City shared this video of small hail falling Thursday afternoon outside of Wahl-McAtee Tire.Wind, hail are main threatsThe majority of central Iowa has a Level 2 of 5 risk or slight risk of severe weather later today. Damaging winds and hail will be the main risks, but a tornado or two is possible, mainly in western Iowa.A tornado watch is in effect for much of the western half of the state through 7 p.m. This watch does not currently include the Des Moines metro or Ames, but does include 40 counties — including areas around Algona, Fort Dodge, Jefferson, Carroll, Atlantic, and Creston.Damaging winds are the biggest threat from these storms as they travel from western Iowa in the afternoon to eastern Iowa by late evening. Severe weather risk prompts schedule changes for Drake RelaysExpected severe weather around central Iowa Thursday night has led the Drake Relays to make schedule adjustments.Much of western Iowa is under a tornado watch through 7 p.m., though that watch does not extend to Polk County. Storms are expected to reach Interstate 35 between about 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.Drake announced it will now begin Thursday’s events at 2 p.m. with the 4×800 relay. The WACT men’s hammer throw will begin at 3 p.m. in the north fields.High school boys discus was originally scheduled for Thursday. It has been moved to 8 a.m. Saturday.The men’s and women’s invitational 10K races, the final events planned for Thursday night, are still on as previously scheduled. Drake officials said those races could still be moved to Friday or Saturday depending on weather.You can find the updated schedule of events here.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
We’re tracking thunderstorms as they move through western Iowa today.
Here’s what to know:
Iowa weather: Tracking tornado warnings in western Iowa
Timelapse video: Thunderstorm blows through Harlan
Connor Frame shared this timelapse video of Thursday afternoon’s thunderstorm blowing through Harlan.
Video: Hailstorm in Rockwell City
Kenneth Hildreth of Rockwell City shared this video of small hail falling Thursday afternoon outside of Wahl-McAtee Tire.
Wind, hail are main threats
The majority of central Iowa has a Level 2 of 5 risk or slight risk of severe weather later today. Damaging winds and hail will be the main risks, but a tornado or two is possible, mainly in western Iowa.
Hearst Owned
A line of strong to potentially severe storms is expected Thursday afternoon and evening.
A tornado watch is in effect for much of the western half of the state through 7 p.m. This watch does not currently include the Des Moines metro or Ames, but does include 40 counties — including areas around Algona, Fort Dodge, Jefferson, Carroll, Atlantic, and Creston.
Hearst Owned
Much of the western half of Iowa is under a tornado watch through 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Damaging winds are the biggest threat from these storms as they travel from western Iowa in the afternoon to eastern Iowa by late evening.
Hearst Owned
A line of storms will push across the state from the afternoon hours into the early evening.
Severe weather risk prompts schedule changes for Drake Relays
Expected severe weather around central Iowa Thursday night has led the Drake Relays to make schedule adjustments.
Much of western Iowa is under a tornado watch through 7 p.m., though that watch does not extend to Polk County. Storms are expected to reach Interstate 35 between about 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Drake announced it will now begin Thursday’s events at 2 p.m. with the 4×800 relay. The WACT men’s hammer throw will begin at 3 p.m. in the north fields.
High school boys discus was originally scheduled for Thursday. It has been moved to 8 a.m. Saturday.
The men’s and women’s invitational 10K races, the final events planned for Thursday night, are still on as previously scheduled. Drake officials said those races could still be moved to Friday or Saturday depending on weather.
You can find the updated schedule of events here.
