Severe Weather & Chase - August 13

7:30 PM Update: Have called it a chase as the storms have lined up into a large bow echo that is now beginning to gain speed as it moves southeast. Ended up with some nice images of the broad rotation along the Dickinson/Jackson county borders just as the tornado warning was issued. Beyond that time frame it was a large rainy mess... Do have a cool picture of a 'smokenado' as well that occurred near Milford, IA as smoke from a ditch fire was lifted into the storm. Hopefully will have some nice images as these storms move to the southeast out of my area and as sunset arrives. Pictures and other updates are possible after the drive home, and some food!!

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5:15 PM Update: Storms have continued to move southward, with additional development ahead of a now congealing line in southwest Minnesota. Have taken off to head north into Jackson county Minnesota in hopes of some severe weather action!

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4:45 PM Update: Some thunderstorms occurred earlier this afternoon across northern Iowa, dropping mainly rain throughout its' path. Additional thunderstorms have developed in southwestern Minnesota, many have become severe and tornado warned within the past hour. Although only reports received have been for large hail, the continued threat of severe weather as the storms slowly move south/southeastward has prompted the SPC to issue a severe thunderstorm watch that will go until 10 PM and will cover a large portion of northwest Iowa. For more details on this watch, please check the WW#826 page. These thunderstorms should begin to cross the IA/MN borders around 6 PM or potentially sooner if additional development can occur.

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Thunderstorm chances are in the forecast throughout the state this afternoon and evening in response to good thermodynamics (instability). Portions of the plains, including northwest Iowa, will be in a favorable area where strengthening mid level winds and continued sufficient instability/shear. Thus, the area of northwest Iowa has been placed in a slight risk area by the SPC with the potential for isolated large hail and damaging winds to occur with the thunderstorms. Otherwise, partly cloudy skies should give way to highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s throughout the state today.

More details on the severe weather risk may be available this afternoon.