IOWA — A tornado watch has been issued for a large portion of Iowa as severe weather moves across the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornado Watch 89 is in effect until 8 p.m. CDT Thursday and includes dozens of counties across central, eastern and southern Iowa.
Counties under the watch include Appanoose, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clarke, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Henry, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington and Wayne.
Major population centers impacted include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, Dubuque, Burlington, Ottumwa and surrounding communities.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Officials are urging residents to remain alert, monitor weather updates and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued.
The watch is part of a larger severe weather system affecting multiple Midwestern states, including Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri.
Emergency officials recommend having multiple ways to receive alerts and identifying a safe place in advance in case conditions worsen.
The situation remains active and will be monitored throughout the evening.
