There is an increased risk of severe storms in eastern Iowa today. According to the National Weather Service, potential impacts include frequent lightning, large hail, and damaging winds. Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen says it is important to be aware of the weather forecast for the day, and to pay attention to any watches or warnings, “Be alert. Know what your risks are, and that’s the big thing. We live in Iowa, you know in the winter we snow and in the spring we see storms. Don’t take it lightly when you hear a warning.”

Any time there is a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning issued for Washington County, KCII will pause normal programming and bring you live up to the minute coverage of the storm.