Severe storms moved across the state Thursday night with multiple tornadoes confirmed in southwest Iowa along with large hail and damaging winds. See dramatic video in the player above of one of those tornadoes, near Essex, shared with KCCI by Corey Gerken. Expect cooler weather Friday with more showers possibleCooler and breezy conditions will return Friday with mostly cloudy skies. A spotty shower is possible, but most of the area should remain dry. Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s, as opposed to the summer-like warmth of the past few days. Cooler conditions will continue into the weekend, with increasing rain chances by Sunday. Widespread soaking rains are possible by Sunday into Monday. This will likely mean soggy conditions for any Easter celebrations. Rain totals of 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches are possible by the time rain ends early Monday. Warmer conditions with highs in the 70s return by the middle of next week. Iowa weather: Strong storms move out overnight Photos show baseball-sized hail in western IowaBlake Daniels shared these photos with KCCI. He said he was driving near Underwood in Pottawattamie County when hail the size of baseballs started falling. Tornado watch expires at midnightA tornado watch for Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Warren and Wayne counties expired at midnight. Tornado warnings expire but strong storms continueVideo: Possible tornado spotted near Tabor in Fremont County2 to 3 inch hail reported around CorningTornado warnings issued in western IowaAt 9:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Corning, moving east at 40 mph. Dangers included a possible tornado and 2-inch hail. People in this area should take cover in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, NWS says. At 9:18 p.m., the NWS issued a tornado warning for southern Adams County and northern Taylor County until 10 p.m. This area includes Nodaway and Corning. The NWS says a radar-indicated rotation is active in this area.The NWS says at 9:26 p.m., a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” was located over Nodaway, 10 miles southwest of Corning and moving east at 40 mph.At 9:08 p.m., the NWS issued a new tornado warning for southeastern Montgomery County and northeastern Page County. The tornado warning will be in effect until 10 p.m. The NWS says a confirmed tornado was located seven miles northeast of Essex and eight miles south of Red Oak, heading east. The NWS says the tornado will be near Villisca around 9:20 p.m.As of 8:52 p.m., the Essex, Iowa, area in southwest Iowa is under a tornado emergency. According to the National Weather Service, a confirmed “large and destructive tornado” was observed just west of Essex, moving east at 30 mph. The tornado emergency will be in effect until 9:15 p.m.Hail size chart shows you how large it isHow to make sure your phone gets severe weather alertsWhen storms are in the forecast, you want to make sure your mobile phone settings allow for alerts that warn you of severe weather. The U.S. Homeland Security Department says to check your phone’s settings and ensure you have “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages” enabled.You can also keep track of the weather wherever you are with the KCCI app: Apple | Google PlayWe’ll send you weather alerts and you can track live radar right on your phone.How to submit storm photos to KCCIHave photos or videos of lightning, hail or any other storm damage from Thursday’s severe weather?You can share it with us here or by emailing [email protected] watch extended eastThe tornado watch through midnight has been extended east. It now includes 16 counties, including Warren, Madison and Adair counties. Severe thunderstorm warnings issued in southwest IowaThe NWS has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Cass County and Adair County in southwestern Iowa until 10 p.m. The storm threatens 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-sized hail possible.Adams County and northern Taylor County is also under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10 p.m.Severe storms moving into western Iowa8:40 p.m. – Quarter-sized hail has been reported near Lewis in Cass County.8:25pm – A Tornado Warning has been issued for Cass County until 9:15 pm. Just after 8:20pm, a severe storm capable of producing a tornado was located about 15 miles southwest of Atlantic. This storm is moving to the east at 25 to 30mph, and will be near Griswold just after 8:30, and near Atlantic by 8:40. Seek shelter indoors if you are in the path of this storm.8:15pm – A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Cass County until 9:15pm. Golf ball sized hail and 60mph are possible with this storm as it moves into Cass County at 30mph. The strongest part of the storm is near Oakland, moving toward Atlantic. The core of the storm should reach Atlantic by 8:30pm. The Adair and Greenfield areas should also monitor this storm.Tornado Watch until MidnightA Tornado Watch has been issued for portions of western and southwest Iowa into Nebraska through Midnight. Severe storms are expected to develop in Nebraska by 6 p.m., moving into Iowa after that. Large hail remains the main risk, but a tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Stay alert to weather conditions and watch for additional updates.Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m.A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for portions of northern and northwestern Iowa through 10 p.m. Storms are expected to develop over the next few hours bringing a risk for large hail.Where and when storms will fireSevere thunderstorms are expected to develop between 4 and 6 p.m. over portions of eastern Nebraska into western Iowa with the risk for very large hail. A severe weather watch is expected to be issued for western Iowa by early this evening.An Enhanced Risk for severe weather, or a 3 of 5 chance is present over western and central Iowa. The rest of our area will have a Level 2 of 5 risk for severe storms Thursday evening through the early overnight. The greatest risk will be large to very large hail, with some potential for hail large than 2 inches in diameter.Warm and humid air in place this afternoon will lead to an increasing chance for thunderstorms this evening as a cold front pushes into the state from the west. Storms will initially develop in northwest and far western Iowa by 4 to 5 p.m.Storms will move into central Iowa, reaching the Des Moines metro and the I-35 corridor between 8 and 10 p.m. Storms will likely begin to weaken as they move into cetnral Iowa, but the risk for large hail will continue as storms approach the metro.The highest severe weather risk will be along and north of the I-80 corridor. Storm coverage is expected to decrease heading south into southern Iowa. The severe risk will largely end by Midnight for most of the state. Storms should be weakening significantly by midnight and moving out of the state by 2 to 4 a.m. What threats to expectLarge hail is the main threat expected with Thursday evening’s storms — especially for the western 2/3rds of the state. Hail up to or potentially even larger than 2 inches in diameter will be possible with the strongest storms. Hail this large can produce significant property damage, and injuries to anyone caught outdoors.Tornado and damaging wind potential will be more limited, but a tornado still cannot be ruled out, especially over western Iowa as storms initially develop this evening.A few spots could get meaningful rain, but widespread, heavy downpours don’t look likely right now. How to submit storm photos to KCCIHave photos or videos of lightning, hail or any other storm damage from Thursday’s severe weather?You can share it with us here or by emailing [email protected] to make sure your phone gets severe weather alertsWhen storms are in the forecast, you want to make sure your mobile phone settings allow for alerts that warn you of severe weather. The U.S. Homeland Security Department says to check your phone’s settings and ensure you have “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages” enabled.You can also keep track of the weather wherever you are with the KCCI app: Apple | Google PlayWe’ll send you weather alerts and you can track live radar right on your phone.Keep an eye on weather across Iowa with KCCI’s skycamsWeather watchers can keep an eye on conditions by checking our skycam page, which shows aerial views from a dozen sites across the state.» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
DES MOINES, Iowa —Severe storms moved across the state Thursday night with multiple tornadoes confirmed in southwest Iowa along with large hail and damaging winds. See dramatic video in the player above of one of those tornadoes, near Essex, shared with KCCI by Corey Gerken.
Expect cooler weather Friday with more showers possible
Cooler and breezy conditions will return Friday with mostly cloudy skies. A spotty shower is possible, but most of the area should remain dry. Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s, as opposed to the summer-like warmth of the past few days. Cooler conditions will continue into the weekend, with increasing rain chances by Sunday. Widespread soaking rains are possible by Sunday into Monday. This will likely mean soggy conditions for any Easter celebrations. Rain totals of 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches are possible by the time rain ends early Monday. Warmer conditions with highs in the 70s return by the middle of next week.
Iowa weather: Strong storms move out overnight
Photos show baseball-sized hail in western Iowa
Blake Daniels shared these photos with KCCI. He said he was driving near Underwood in Pottawattamie County when hail the size of baseballs started falling.
Tornado watch expires at midnight
A tornado watch for Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Warren and Wayne counties expired at midnight.
Tornado warnings expire but strong storms continue
Video: Possible tornado spotted near Tabor in Fremont County
2 to 3 inch hail reported around Corning
Tornado warnings issued in western Iowa
At 9:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Corning, moving east at 40 mph. Dangers included a possible tornado and 2-inch hail.
People in this area should take cover in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, NWS says.
At 9:18 p.m., the NWS issued a tornado warning for southern Adams County and northern Taylor County until 10 p.m. This area includes Nodaway and Corning. The NWS says a radar-indicated rotation is active in this area.
The NWS says at 9:26 p.m., a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” was located over Nodaway, 10 miles southwest of Corning and moving east at 40 mph.
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At 9:08 p.m., the NWS issued a new tornado warning for southeastern Montgomery County and northeastern Page County. The tornado warning will be in effect until 10 p.m. The NWS says a confirmed tornado was located seven miles northeast of Essex and eight miles south of Red Oak, heading east. The NWS says the tornado will be near Villisca around 9:20 p.m.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
As of 8:52 p.m., the Essex, Iowa, area in southwest Iowa is under a tornado emergency. According to the National Weather Service, a confirmed “large and destructive tornado” was observed just west of Essex, moving east at 30 mph. The tornado emergency will be in effect until 9:15 p.m.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Hail size chart shows you how large it is
How to make sure your phone gets severe weather alerts
When storms are in the forecast, you want to make sure your mobile phone settings allow for alerts that warn you of severe weather. The U.S. Homeland Security Department says to check your phone’s settings and ensure you have “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages” enabled.
You can also keep track of the weather wherever you are with the KCCI app: Apple | Google Play
We’ll send you weather alerts and you can track live radar right on your phone.
Have photos or videos of lightning, hail or any other storm damage from Thursday’s severe weather?
You can share it with us here or by emailing [email protected].
Tornado watch extended east
The tornado watch through midnight has been extended east. It now includes 16 counties, including Warren, Madison and Adair counties.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The Tornado Watch has been extended eastward to include Clarke, Decatur, Lucas. Madison, Warren, and Wayne Counties. It is still valid until Midnight CDT. pic.twitter.com/yfa9cpBpF5
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) April 18, 2025
Severe thunderstorm warnings issued in southwest Iowa
The NWS has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Cass County and Adair County in southwestern Iowa until 10 p.m. The storm threatens 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-sized hail possible.
Adams County and northern Taylor County is also under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10 p.m.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Severe storms moving into western Iowa
8:40 p.m. – Quarter-sized hail has been reported near Lewis in Cass County.
8:25pm – A Tornado Warning has been issued for Cass County until 9:15 pm. Just after 8:20pm, a severe storm capable of producing a tornado was located about 15 miles southwest of Atlantic. This storm is moving to the east at 25 to 30mph, and will be near Griswold just after 8:30, and near Atlantic by 8:40. Seek shelter indoors if you are in the path of this storm.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
8:15pm – A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Cass County until 9:15pm. Golf ball sized hail and 60mph are possible with this storm as it moves into Cass County at 30mph. The strongest part of the storm is near Oakland, moving toward Atlantic. The core of the storm should reach Atlantic by 8:30pm. The Adair and Greenfield areas should also monitor this storm.
Tornado Watch until Midnight
A Tornado Watch has been issued for portions of western and southwest Iowa into Nebraska through Midnight. Severe storms are expected to develop in Nebraska by 6 p.m., moving into Iowa after that. Large hail remains the main risk, but a tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Stay alert to weather conditions and watch for additional updates.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for portions of northern and northwestern Iowa through 10 p.m. Storms are expected to develop over the next few hours bringing a risk for large hail.
Where and when storms will fire
Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop between 4 and 6 p.m. over portions of eastern Nebraska into western Iowa with the risk for very large hail. A severe weather watch is expected to be issued for western Iowa by early this evening.
An Enhanced Risk for severe weather, or a 3 of 5 chance is present over western and central Iowa. The rest of our area will have a Level 2 of 5 risk for severe storms Thursday evening through the early overnight. The greatest risk will be large to very large hail, with some potential for hail large than 2 inches in diameter.
Warm and humid air in place this afternoon will lead to an increasing chance for thunderstorms this evening as a cold front pushes into the state from the west. Storms will initially develop in northwest and far western Iowa by 4 to 5 p.m.
Storms will move into central Iowa, reaching the Des Moines metro and the I-35 corridor between 8 and 10 p.m. Storms will likely begin to weaken as they move into cetnral Iowa, but the risk for large hail will continue as storms approach the metro.
The highest severe weather risk will be along and north of the I-80 corridor. Storm coverage is expected to decrease heading south into southern Iowa. The severe risk will largely end by Midnight for most of the state. Storms should be weakening significantly by midnight and moving out of the state by 2 to 4 a.m.
What threats to expect
Large hail is the main threat expected with Thursday evening’s storms — especially for the western 2/3rds of the state. Hail up to or potentially even larger than 2 inches in diameter will be possible with the strongest storms. Hail this large can produce significant property damage, and injuries to anyone caught outdoors.
Tornado and damaging wind potential will be more limited, but a tornado still cannot be ruled out, especially over western Iowa as storms initially develop this evening.
A few spots could get meaningful rain, but widespread, heavy downpours don’t look likely right now.
Have photos or videos of lightning, hail or any other storm damage from Thursday’s severe weather?
You can share it with us here or by emailing [email protected].
How to make sure your phone gets severe weather alerts
When storms are in the forecast, you want to make sure your mobile phone settings allow for alerts that warn you of severe weather. The U.S. Homeland Security Department says to check your phone’s settings and ensure you have “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages” enabled.
You can also keep track of the weather wherever you are with the KCCI app: Apple | Google Play
We’ll send you weather alerts and you can track live radar right on your phone.
Keep an eye on weather across Iowa with KCCI’s skycams
Weather watchers can keep an eye on conditions by checking our skycam page, which shows aerial views from a dozen sites across the state.
» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
