Large Part of Eastern Iowa Under Tornado Watch Through Late-Evening

There are 51 Iowa counties under the threat of tornadoes this afternoon and evening with an enhanced risk for a large part of the listening area.

The national severe storms forecast center has issued a tornado watch through 10 p.m. this evening. A watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to, the watch area. Here's the portion of eastern Iowa under the watch (in yellow). Northern Missouri (counties in dark brown) are under a wind advisory. The extreme eastern part of Iowa (light tan counties) is not under the tornado watch, but should still follow weather developments this afternoon and evening.

The National Severe Storms forecast center is keeping a close eye on our part of the country today.

As you can see, a large portion of southeast Iowa is under an enhanced risk for severe weather, with the remainder of the area under a slight risk. We'll be here to keep you up to date on the very latest.

[via NOAA]