The National Weather Service is advising Iowa residents to be prepared for strong winds and the potential for severe weather, early this afternoon and this evening. In southwest and western Iowa, winds are expected to gust upwards of 30- to 45-miles per hour. The winds will create travel difficulties, especially for high-profile vehicles, and minor property damage.The humidity will also be on the rise, with heat-related illnesses and heat exhaustion possible, as the temps rise to near 90. Heat index values will also be around 90, depending on the amount of cloud cover.

The threat for severe weather in this part of the state is minimal. In northeast Iowa, severe storms are expected to fire-up this afternoon, bringing large hail, damaging wind and an isolated tornado.