A severe weather outbreak is possible on Monday in central Iowa, with the National Weather Service (NWS) anticipating a level three risk for severe weather.

The NWS categorizes a level three out of five risk as enhanced, with “numerous severe storms possible,” with more persistent and/or widespread and a few intense storms.

“Damaging winds, very large hail and tornadoes; some strong, are all possible,” the hazardous weather outlook for Ames by the NWS states.

The NWS forecasts the storms could begin at approximately 4 p.m. and continue until midnight. There is a “30+%” chance of hail of 1 inch in diameter or greater, and a 10% chance of hail 2 inches “in much” Iowa.

There is a 10% chance of a tornado across most of the state, and if one occurs, there is “10% or greater probability” that the tornado is an EF2 or stronger.

In severe weather, people on campus will be alerted by the numerous weather sirens scattered across the university, and public safety officers will direct people where to take shelter. According to previous reporting from the Daily, students and faculty would also receive a text from ISU Alerts.

To sign up for Story County and Ames emergency alert notifications, download the Smart911 app or text 672-83 with StoryIA or AmesIA.

“Stay tuned to the forecast for updates, and make sure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings so that you know where your safe space is if there happens to be any tornadoes in the area,” Ashley Bury, a meteorologist at the NWS Des Moines office, said.

All Iowa State residence halls have emergency plans on doors with information about what to do during a severe weather incident. 

The NWS provides tornado safety rules, emphasizing avoiding doors, windows, exterior walls and protecting your head. Do not wait to take shelter until the tornado is visible or heard, “it may be too late.”

The next scheduled forecast briefing will be posted at 7 a.m. Monday on the NWS Des Moines website.