(Johnston, IA) -- A large part of Iowa is at risk for thunderstorms today and tonight. The National Weather Service says severe storms could pop up by late this (Friday) afternoon into this evening. Odds for strong storms are higher in the southern half of the state. Forecasters say all modes of severe weather are possible, including large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Locally heavy rainfall is also possible, which may lead to flash flooding in portions of southern Iowa.
A flash flood watch is in effect from Friday 4 p.m. thru Saturday morning for the following counties in south central and southeast Iowa:
Appanoose, Monroe, Wayne, Iowa, Davis, and Wapello. Forecasters say several rounds of storms with heavy rainfall are possible, raising the risk for flooding in those counties.
Thunderstorms tracked across parts of Iowa early this (Friday) morning. There was a report of golf-ball size hail five miles south/southeast of Fontenelle in Adair County.