Damaging MCS from South Dakota Charges into Southwest Minnesota, Northwest Iowa — SevereWX

A line of severe thunderstorms pulsing across eastern South Dakota is set to push eastward into southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and far northeast Nebraska through the evening hours.

These storms have already produced gusts up to 90 mph and are showing southward development on radar. Despite some lingering inhibition and decreasing CAPE farther east, the well-defined cold pool within this mesoscale convective system (MCS) combined with 35-40 knots of effective shear should sustain the severe potential.

Expect damaging wind gusts of 75-90 mph as the primary threat, along with hail up to 1.75 inches. Peak non-tornadic winds could hit 90 mph. The Storm Prediction Center anticipates issuing a watch soon with 95% probability.

Affected areas include southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and far northeast Nebraska. Storms should intensify downstream into central and southern Minnesota, possibly clipping far northern Iowa.

Stay prepared: Monitor local NWS updates, have a severe weather plan, and seek shelter if storms approach your area.