A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued in portions of eastern Iowa for strong winds Friday evening.Winds gusts of 60 to 80 mph will be possible, with the s

Strong storms — some of them severe — are likely across much of Iowa Friday evening and into the night, according to forecasters.

A massive storm will sweep across the U.S. in 24 hours, bringing damaging winds, hail, and tornado threats to parts of Iowa.

The first thunderstorm of the season is expected to bring severe weather to Iowa this (Friday) afternoon and evening, with damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and large hail in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Des Moines and much of the state now face a level 4 severe weather risk until 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Be weather aware this afternoon from about 2 p.m. through 6 p.m. Friday afternoon and evening. An Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) risk now includes Lincoln toward Omaha and much of far eastern Nebraska. Strong storms are expected to move in from the south,