Severe weather possible later today, Red Flag Warning this afternoon prior to storms moving through

MASON CITY — Severe weather is likely today throughout the state of Iowa, including here locally.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines says the Mason City-Clear Lake area and areas north of US Highway 18 are in the “slight risk” of severe weather, the second level of their five-level scale. The area basically south of US Highway 18 is in an “enhanced risk” of severe weather, the third level on the scale. Areas along and south of US HIghway 30 are in the “moderate risk” of severe weather, the fourth level on that scale

All modes of severe weather are possible, with damaging winds and large hail anticipated, but a tornado cannot be ruled out.

Keep tuned for the latest in severe weather right here on this radio station as well as on the North Iowa Now Facebook page.

A Red Flag Warning is also in effect this afternoon into the early evening hours for most of our listening area as very warm conditions with near record highs, strong and gusty south to southeast winds, and drier air will create critical fire weather conditions by this afternoon prior to any storms moving through.