ohio travel advisory map weather

Oct. 7: Ohio Department of Health releases updated travel advisory map with 7 states

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health released an updated travel advisory map on Wednesday that includes seven states where Ohioans are advised against visiting. The seven states included are reporting recent average positive testing rates of 15% or higher for COVID-19.

Based on a 7-day rolling average of positivity rates as of Oct. 7, affected states are:

• South Dakota: 26.0%
• Wisconsin: 20%
• Iowa: 16.8%
• Kansas: 16%
• Missouri: 15.3%
• Wyoming: 15%

Mississippi was taken off the travel advisory this week.

Ohioans are advised against visiting any state reporting a 15% or higher positive testing rate. Those who do travel to any of these states are recommended to self-quarantine for 14 days after leaving those locations and returning to Ohio.

The advisory is intended for both leisure and business travel, one that the department of health wants Ohioans and out-of-state travelers to follow.

If you have to self-quarantine, these are the following precautions you should take according to the ODH:

• If you live in a home with other people who did not travel with you, stay in a separate room. If this is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least six feet away from others.
• Remain at home and avoid all in-person activities. This includes work, grocery stores and pharmacies, public events, and public places.
• Do not leave home except to seek medical care. If you need to see a provider for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call in advance and discuss the care you need.
• In the event of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. Indicate that you are in home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until you are asked by a health care provider to remove it
• Do not have visitors in your home.
• Do not use public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.

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Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Ohio, a timeline of Governor Mike DeWine's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Northeast Ohio, and link to more information from the Ohio Department of Health, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the CDC and the WHO.

See data visualizations showing the impact of coronavirus in Ohio, including county-by-county maps, charts showing the spread of the disease, and more.

The CDC and the Ohio Department of Health are now recommending the use of cloth face coverings in public to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Read more about the CDC's recommendation here. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a face mask from common household materials, without having to know how to sew.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

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TRAVEL ALERT

Travel ban eastbound westbound.

Please be advised that the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has placed a Weather Event Travel Restriction into effect from December 23 6AM to December 25 at 8AM.  The Engineering Department is carefully monitoring the situation.  The Weather Event Travel Restriction may be expanded or reduced as conditions warrant.

The Ohio Turnpike remains open to most traffic. Only certain types of vehicles are restricted.

When a Weather Event Travel Restriction is placed into effect, the following types of vehicles shall be banned from traveling the Ohio Turnpike until the Restriction is lifted:

• All high-profile* tow-behind trailers, campers, boats, and enclosed trailers (excluding 5th wheel trailers) * - High-profile is defined as height exceeding 7’-6”.
• Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer
• All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers.
• All long combination vehicle (LCV) long double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet in length. (Enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
• All LCV triple-trailer combinations.

NOT  included in the Ohio Turnpike Travel Ban:

• Self-propelled motor homes
• Low-profile trailers
• Fold-down camper trailers
• Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
• Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers, or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks. 
• Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers
• Commercial trucks towing a single fifty-three (53) foot trailer
• Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
• Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations in excess of ninety (90) feet
• Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than ninety (90) feet.
• 2-axle buses less than forty (40) feet
• Buses with 3 or more axles less than forty-five (45) feet

If you have any questions, please contact the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission at 1-440-971-2081.

List: Snow emergencies and travel advisories issued in wake of winter storm

Counties and communities in Ohio and Northern Kentucky have issued travel advisories or snow emergencies as a winter storm blew into the area Thursday night into Friday .

Under Ohio Law, sheriffs monitor snow conditions and declare snow emergencies when it has been determined that use of highways and roadways by motorists is a threat to maintaining public peace.

In Kentucky, the county government makes the call, but cities can also declare emergencies. 

Cincinnati weather: What's closed Friday because of the snow and cold?

Cities, villages and townships can also declare snow emergencies, requiring cars to be moved off streets.

These are only guidelines for the majority of roads in extreme weather situations. For example, if the advisory level is set at 1, there may be secondary roads that have deteriorated to a level 2 or even a level 3 condition. If snow is present, a good rule of thumb is to always presume that the road ahead is worse than the stretch of road you are currently on.

Snow emergencies in Ohio counties

• Butler County is under a Level 1 Snow Emergency
• Hamilton County is under a Level 2 Snow Alert. Roads are hazardous and icy. Only drive if necessary, and use extreme caution while traveling.
• Monroe is under a snow emergency. All vehicles must be removed from the streets.

Snow emergencies in Kentucky

• Boone County has upgraded to Level 2 Snow Emergency.
• Campbell County is under a Level 1 travel advisory until further notice. The advisory is to let residents be cautious of hazardous road conditions.
• Kenton County has issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency until rescinded.
• Gallatin County has upgraded to a Level 2 Snow Emergency.
• Pendleton County has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency.

What do snow emergency levels mean?

Definitions for snow emergencies can vary by state and county, but here are the basics: 

Level 1 snow emergency

• Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be icy.
• Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. 
• No roadways are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged.

Level 2 snow emergency

• Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be very icy.
• Only drive if it is necessary to do so.
• Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

Level 3 snow emergency

• Ice, blowing and drifting snow has created extremely hazardous road conditions. Low visibility, extremely low temperatures and worsening road conditions are also factors.
• Some or all county roads have been closed to all but emergency and essential persons.
• No one should be on roadways unless absolutely necessary and violators could be subject to arrest. 
• All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. 

What about parking restrictions?

Depending on how much snow is falling, residents should move their cars off city streets before major snowfall. 

In Kenton County, during snow emergencies where snowfall accumulation is two inches or greater, no vehicle may be parked on a public road right of way. 

In Cincinnati, during severe snowstorms, the city may issue a Parking Snow Emergency, which initiates parking restrictions on signed routes. Cars not moved are subject to ticketing and towing.

WFIN Local News

News, Sports and Weather

Ohio Now Listed On Ohio Travel Advisory Map

(ONN) – Ohio officials are urging caution for those traveling.

The Ohio Department of Health has released its new travel advisory map …and you’ll notice Ohio is highlighted.

The Buckeye State is now above 15 percent positivity rate, which has been the threshold for having to quarantine if you travel to any state that has hit that mark.

Those entering Ohio after travel to states reporting positive testing rates of 15 percent or higher for COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.

The Ohio Department of Health is advising Ohioans to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out.

Ohio's updated travel advisory map. ⬇ More information: https://t.co/okBJHIYR5Z pic.twitter.com/Nt5js5jS2N — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) December 2, 2020

• ← Wreaths Across America Day Approaching
• More Counties Reach Highest Level On COVID Alert Map →

Frost advisory, freeze warning issued for several Ohio counties

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a freeze warning or frost advisory for multiple Ohio counties for Thursday morning from midnight until 9 a.m.

Franklin, Fairfield, Madison and Pickaway counties in central Ohio are under a frost advisory Thursday morning, with temperatures expected to drop to as low as 33 degrees, which will result in the formation of frost.

A more serious freeze warning has been issued by the NWS for Delaware, Licking and Union counties in central Ohio, as well as Auglaize, Champaign, Hardin, Logan and Shelby counties. The warning means the NWS expects sub-freezing temperatures Thursday morning as low as 31 degrees.

The NWS advises residents of counties under either a freeze warning or frost advisory to take steps to protect their plants from the cold, including bringing potted plants inside and covering those outside. The buildup of frost could kill sensitive outdoor plants and vegetation if left uncovered.

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@ShahidMeighan

Severe weather that prompted tornado warnings for some central Ohio counties exits area

S evere storms with heavy rain and high winds raced through central Ohio late Wednesday afternoon and evening, but there were no initial reports of injuries or major damage.

The National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings for some central Ohio counties as the storm system moved through, reporting radar-indicated rotation wrapped amid the fast-moving storms. Hail fell in some areas as a result of the storm.

A tornado watch issued for central Ohio expired at 7 p.m. as the severe weather moved on into east central and northeastern Ohio counties.

Suspected tornado damage reported elsewhere

There were reports of at least one or two suspected tornadoes with damage in Portage County in northeastern Ohio and a suspected tornado in Bucyrus in north central Ohio.

Videos and photos posted to X (formerly Twitter) showed what appeared to be a tornado on the ground and severe damage to a home, barn and another outbuilding in Windham, a village in eastern Portage County. Additional damage was reported from a tornado in Garrettsville in the northeastern part of the county.

In north central Ohio about 65 miles north of Columbus, The Bucyrus Telegraph Forum, a Gannett Ohio sister newspaper to The Dispatch, reported high winds from the storms there had caused serious, significant damage in downtown Bucyrus and knocked out power to a large area there .

The NWS will send out survey teams beginning Thursday to areas where suspected tornadoes were reported to confirm them and rate their intensity on the Enhanced Fujita scale.

Central Ohio appeared to escape any major damage.

Fairfield County Sheriff's Office reported multiple trees or large branches down from the storm, with some blocking side roads but no major arteries.

The Licking County Regional Communications Center reported that strong winds had brought wires down in Fallsbury Township and brought trees down on utility lines in Granville Township.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office said it had no reports of severe damage as of 6:30 p.m. However, Tyler Beckman, a central Ohio storm chaser, posted photos on X (formerly Twitter) showing wind damage to homes and a tree near the intersection of Route 605 and Fancher Road in Harlem Township in the county.

Pickaway County Sheriff's Office reported a downed tree that temporarily blocked one lane of Route 752 in Walnut Township, but it was removed and there were no other storm damage reports.

Franklin County, Union County and Madison County sheriff's offices told The Dispatch they received no storm damage reports.

The heavy rain did cause flooding again on the Route 161 westbound exit underpass to Interstate 270 southbound on Columbus' Northeast Side, forcing closure of the exit ramp for a time.

AEP warned its customers prior to Wednesday's storms that the severe weather may cause power outages and urged customers to be prepared. At one point, the AEP outage map showed more than 8,000 customers without power. As of 6:15 p.m., however, AEP's outage map showed small scattered outages with the largest two areas in Columbus involving nearly 1,500 customers.

Ohio already ahead of average yearly tornado total before storms

Prior to Wednesday, the National Weather Service had reported a total of 28 tornadoes so far this year in Ohio, which is a half-dozen above the yearly average of 22 tornadoes. Nine tornadoes each were recorded on Feb. 28, March 14 and April 2 and one on March 5.

One of the March 14 tornadoes hit the Indian Lake area, killing three people in Lakeview, injuring others and causing devastating damage.

What's the forecast ahead?

After a positively balmy work week, areas of patchy frost will be possible Saturday and Sunday night in Columbus and around central Ohio. Here's the forecast for the rest of the week.

More: Ohio leads the nation for tornadoes in 2024. And the season is just beginning

Weather forecast for the week of April 17, 2024

Keep those raincoats at the ready for the next few days.

• Thursday : Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
• Thursday Night : A chance of showers before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Low around 58. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday : Showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., with a slight chance of showers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. High near 64. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday Night : Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.
• Saturday : Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
• Saturday Night : Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
• Sunday : Patchy frost before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
• Sunday Night : Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
• Monday : Sunny, with a high near 63.
• Monday Night : Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
• Tuesday : A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Here's how to check for AEP, Columbus power outages

American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio offers a live-updated  outage map on their website .

The AEP website also contains an area where customers can  report outages  and downed power lines. Remain a safe distance from downed power lines if you see them.

Columbus Division of Power customers can also check an outage map on the city's website here .

If you see your area on the map, there is no need to report your outage and the Division of Power is actively working on it, according to the website. If you are experiencing an outage not shown on the map, please call them at (614) 645-7627 to report the outage.

Dispatch reporters Bethany Bruner and Cole Behrens contributed to this report.

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@PartofMyHart

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Severe weather that prompted tornado warnings for some central Ohio counties exits area

The National Weather Service says six EF-2 tornadoes swept through Iowa Friday night

Multiple ''large and extremely dangerous" tornadoes touched down across western and central Iowa Friday, April 26, including near Pleasant Hill on the eastern side of the city, according to the National Weather Service.

The town of Minden suffered significant damage, according to state officials. But no fatalities have been reported.

The storms were part of a strong system that swept eastward across the state Friday, bringing heavy rain and large hail as tornado watches and warnings were issued county by county.

Showers and storms are likely again on Sunday, the National Weather Service says, particularly by mid to late afternoon and into the evening.

The National Weather Service has also released preliminary information for nine of Friday's tornadoes.

Six of the nine National Weather Service-confirmed tornadoes have been classified as EF-2. A pair of EF-2 tornadoes traveled parallel to each other near Afton, while the weakest and shortest-lived tornado was confirmed near Maffit in Madison County and classified at EF-0.

The National Weather Service has not yet categorized the Minden tornado that destroyed the small western Iowa town on Friday. Additional surveys are forthcoming and more paths may be discovered, according to the NWS.

2:30 p.m.: Minden, Iowa man dies from injuries following tornado

A man injured during a  tornado that touched down in Minden, Iowa  has died, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management officials confirmed Sunday.

The Minden resident was found after the tornado hit and was taken to a local hospital Friday, April 26. He was later transported to a trauma center in Omaha. He passed away in the overnight hours Saturday, according to Pottawattamie emergency management director Doug Reed.

Officials declined to release further identification information about the man.

Three Pottawattamie County residents were injured on Friday night, according to Reed. They were treated and released.

Since then, three more have suffered minor injuries during clean-up and recovery, including one responder and two community members.

More: Minden, Iowa man dies from injuries sustained in tornado

1 p.m.: Storms with wind, hail possible for Sunday afternoon

A Sunday afternoon storm system has a chance chance of producing a few tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials are unsure exactly when the severe weather will hit, as cloud cover and showers could limit intensity.

The highest chance for severe storms is between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. with the potential for hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and damaging wind gusts up to 60 MPH.

Much of Iowa faces a "marginal risk" of severe weather, with southern Iowa at a "slight risk."

In the case of severe weather, officials encourage residents to seek shelter in a building or car.

The NWS suggests staying aware of weather warnings through tools like the NOAA Weather Radio, the mobile app and through TV and/or radio.

More: Pleasant Hill tornado classified as an EF-2 with max wind speeds of 125 MPH

12:30 p.m.: Gov. Reynolds visits residents impacted by tornado in Minden

Gov. Kim Reynolds traveled Saturday to Minden in the aftermath of an April 26 tornado that devastated the town of about 600 people.

In a Twitter post, Reynolds posted pictures of her Saturday visit talking to residents and city officials.

"The people of Iowa are coming together, just like we always do, to help one another," Reynolds wrote. "With the possibility of more storms today, please be safe and look out for your neighbors."

Minden, a small town in Pottawattamie County,  suffered significant damage  Friday night as severe storms and several tornadoes touched down across the state. The town reported damage to homes, cars and trees .

Four injuries had been reported by Saturday afternoon, according to a news release from Pottawattamie County emergency management. One person remains hospitalized in stable condition, as reported Saturday.

Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County in response, which activated the  Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program  and the  Disaster Case Advocacy Program .

The Disaster Case Advocacy program provides up to $5,000 in grants for households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

10:30 a.m., Sunday, April 28: NWS results show Pleasant Hill tornado reached 125 miles per hour

A tornado that touched down just before 9 p.m. west of Pleasant Hill Friday, April 26 has been confirmed as an EF-2 by the National Weather Service in Des Moines.

Friday's tornado reached a peak wind speed of 125 MPH, measuring about 300 yards wide. It swept across town for about seven miles for roughly 12 minutes, injuring at least one and damaging nearly 20 homes.

The tornado first touched down in southeast Des Moines near Indianola Avenue around 8:50 p.m., traveling for 7.2 miles past James W. Cownie Park and northeast through Pleasant Hill, toppling trees and power lines along the way.

According to the NWS, there have been zero deaths recorded due to the tornado.

10:30 a.m.: Three tornadoes batter Union County, NWS survey shows

Three tornados ripped through Union County on April 26, barrelling through Creston and near Afton, each exceeding wind speeds of 120 miles per hour.

The first Union County tornado is believed to have touched down at roughly 6:52 p.m. outside Creston. The EF-2 tornado traveled 6.8 miles to the northeast, with a width of 350 yards and an estimated peak wind speed of 125 MPH.

The first of two EF-2 tornadoes that traveled near Afton touched down at roughly 7:26 p.m. on April 26, traveling nearly 11 miles and lasting 18 minutes. The National Weather Service believes the tornado reached a maximum wind speed of 130 MPH and was 150 yards wide.

A second EF-2 tornado popped up a few minutes after the first expired, touching the ground almost in the same spot at 7:53 p.m. The NWS believes this tornado traveled 11.6 miles, lasting 12 minutes, with a maximum wind speed of 125 MPH and a width of 150 yards.

10:30 a.m.: Two EF-2 tornadoes confirmed in Ringgold County

Ringgold County is recovering from destruction as well after a tornado touched down in Tingley and another near Mount Ayr.

An EF-1 tornado traveled nearly 27 outside Mount Ayr and reached speeds of about 110 mph. The twister touched down at 7:27 p.m. and lasted until 8:08 p.m. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

An EF-2 tornado ripped through Tingley on April 26, traveling about 10 miles starting around 8:19 p.m. At its peak, it reached 125 MPH, destroying homes and the Tingley Community Center.

No injuries or deaths were reported.

10:30 a.m. Osceola tornado produced high wind speeds

An EF-2 tornado was confirmed to have torn through Osecola on April 26, producing some of the strongest confirmed wind speeds. The twister was just 75 yards in width but is believed to have reached a speed of 135 MPH during its 12-minute, nearly seven-mile jaunt through the county.

The NWS indicates the tornado first touched down west of Interstate 35 before heading northeast, hopping the interstate and through the heart of downtown Osecola. The tornado eventually dissipated a few miles northeast of town.

10:30 a.m.: Madison, Jasper counties also experience confirmed tornadoes

An EF-0 tornado touched down around 8:23 p.m. on April 26 in Maffit in Madison County and reached peak wind speeds of 80 mph. The tornado traveled just 1.7 miles, lasting three minutes with a width of 30 yards.

An EF-1 tornado touched down around 9:42 p.m. in Monroe, Jasper County, and reached 105 MPH, traveling just two miles and 50 yards wide. No injuries or deaths resulted from these twisters.

2 p.m., Saturday, April 27: NWS issues tornado watch for several southern Iowa counties

The Des Moines National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for several southern Iowa counties that will be in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday.

The tornado watch includes the towns of Creston, Centerville, Indianola, Ottumwa, Centerville, and Oskaloosa, among others. The storm system, according to the National Weather Service, is capable of producing a few tornadoes and wind gusts up to 75 MPH. The system could also produce hail up to two inches in diameter.

1:30 p.m.: Polk County officials issue statement on tornado impact

The Polk County Emergency Management Agency has been out much of Saturday assessing the damage and coordinating resources for residents in need.

Polk County officials are organizing a call for volunteer help in Pleasant Hill. Authorities say monetary donations can be sent to the Polk County and Greater Des Moines Community Foundation disaster recovery fund .

“We are saddened by the widespread damage caused by the tornadoes and storms in Pleasant Hill and across Polk County.” Polk County Board Chair Angela Connolly said in a press release. “Our primary focus right now is on ensuring the safety and well-being of all our residents. We are working closely with local first responders, utility crews, and volunteer organizations to provide assistance and support to those impacted by this disaster."

1 p.m.: National Weather Service provides statewide damage update

Brooke Hagenhoff, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said there were at least 10 tornados that swept through central Iowa on April 26. 

Several other tornadoes reportedly touched down in western Iowa near Council Bluffs and the Nebraska border.

Compared to the storm system the state endured earlier in the month , Hagenhoff said Friday night’s storm system was much more robust. 

Chris Franks, a meteorologist for the NWS based in Nebraska, said roughly three tornadoes originated in Omaha and traveled east across Iowa’s border. 

“Right now, it's pretty good to estimate that there tornadoes that came from Nebraska, or very near the Iowa Nebraska line, and then and then crossed into Iowa,” Franks said. “I will caveat that the damage surveys are still on very much ongoing, in fact, there's a lot of a lot of damage to survey.”

11:45 a.m.: Tornado destroys homes, power lines in Pleasant Hill

A tornado touched down just west of Pleasant Hill around 9 p.m. Friday, April 26, sweeping across town, injuring one and damaging nearly 20 homes.

Pleasant Hill Fire Department Chief Jamie Xayavong told reporters at an 11 a.m. news conference Saturday that the injury was not life-threatening, though the 18 damaged homes were no longer inhabitable.

The tornado is believed to have touched down near the intersection of Parkridge Avenue and E Oakwood Drive and headed east, toppling several trees and power lines along the way.

Xayavong said storm damage has been reported as far east as NE 80th Street.

The fire chief did not know how strong the tornado was, though it left several other homes with moderate or minor damage. She indicated that more damage reports could come in as recovery continues.

None of the misplaced residents needed emergency shelter, Xayavong said.

More: Trees downed, homes damaged in Pleasant Hill after tornadoes sweep through area.

11:15 a.m.: Reports of Friday night tornado in Ringgold County in southwest Iowa

A tornado swept through the small southwestern Iowa towns of Tingley and Redding on Friday, April 26, according to Melissa Stark with Ringgold County Emergency Management. Officials believe the tornado developed around 8 p.m. Friday, traveling the entire length of the county and leaving significant damage in its wake.

Stark said residents had little warning, noting that the sirens weren’t triggered until the tornado had developed.

The storm system decimated the Tingley Community Center and devastated the city park.

No injuries have been reported.

11 a.m.: Creston recovering from storm damage

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn said he was headed to Creston to meet with the Union County Sheriff to tour the community and offer his support.

The storm damaged portions of the Homestead Assisted Living's roof in the northwest part of town. Several windows and the main entrance also suffered damage. A private home in Creston was also damaged in the storm.

“Iowa just emerged from a horrible event that occurred many of our communities last night. In fact, we're headed down to Union County next to help take care of Creston and the communities that were impacted by horrible storms and tornadoes that ravaged the state of Iowa,” he said at a campaign event Saturday morning. “Our prayers not only are with Minden but those communities in Nebraska where we've flown flight operations out of. They're just decimated. And so this morning as we think about what we need to do, it should always be about how do we help those communities in need.”

U.S. Highway 34 between Creston and Afton was closed Friday night due because debris blocked the road, according to Iowa 511.

11 a.m.: Where is Minden, Iowa?

Minden is located on the western side of Iowa. It’s about a 30-mile drive from Omaha, Nebraska, depending on the route taken, according to Google Maps. The town was settled in 1875 by German immigrants,  according to Travel Iowa .

The town of about 600  faced damage to homes, cars and trees after a tornado swept through Friday, April 26. Pottawattamie County officials confirmed four injuries as of Saturday morning,  according to KETV .

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for the county in response, which activated the  Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program  and the  Disaster Case Advocacy Program .

More: Where is Minden, Iowa? What we know on the Iowa tornado that caused significant destruction

10:45 a.m.: Tiny Minden, Iowa, riddled with debris after tornado smashes through town Friday

Many houses, cars, and trees in Minden have been destroyed after a tornado devastated the southwestern Iowa town of roughly 600 people Friday evening, April 26.

Access to the town was shut off Saturday because of the destruction.

Drivers trying to pass through Minden Saturday morning were being redirected as workers tried to clean up wholesale debris left behind.

For Austin Ehlers, a firefighter in Persia, a city just about 15 minutes away from Minden, the tornado demolished his grandfather’s home.

“He lives just outside of Minden, right in the path where the tornado took,” Ehlers said. “After we cleared everything in Persia, we hoped in the trucks and went to Minden and helped. I found out my grandpa’s house was completely gone, and he’s basically lost everything.”

More: Tiny Minden, Iowa, riddled with debris after tornado smashes through town Friday

10:30 a.m.: Are more tornadoes headed for Iowa? The National Weather Service forecast

Is another round of tornadoes heading to Iowa?

One day after bands of tornadoes swept through western and central Iowa Friday, the National Weather Service is warning of the possibility of strong to severe storms Saturday afternoon through the evening.

"All severe weather hazards are possible, but hail and damaging winds are the primary threats," the National Weather Service in Des Moines reported.

More: Could more tornadoes be headed to Iowa? The National Weather Service forecast

Showers and storms continue into Sunday, along with the potential for more strong to severe storms Sunday afternoon and evening, the NWS said.

"The extent of the threat and most likely hazards remains uncertain at this time," it posted.

The NWS warned that spotter activation may be needed later Saturday and Sunday.

Chances for showers and storms return Tuesday into Tuesday night, and again late in the week. The severe weather threat is uncertain and will be evaluated in the coming days.

Preparing for a storm

With the potential for more severe weather, it's good to be prepared. Make sure you have a plan in place. Here are five things you should know to be prepared for a weather emergency .

6:15 a.m.: At least 10 tornadoes hit central Iowa, National Weather Service says

The National Weather Service in Des Moines posted early Saturday morning that preliminary reports indicate at least 10 tornadoes struck central Iowa in the April 26 storm front, based on initial damage information.

Another band of tornadoes swept across Nebraska and western Iowa.

Damage to trees and homes were reported from Crawford to Union to Ringgold up to Polk and Jasper counties, the office said. At least one injury was reported.

In Nebraska and western Iowa, a swath of damage stretched from just northeast of Lincoln, Nebraska, through the Waterloo and Elkhorn areas, and all the way to near Soldier, Iowa, in eastern Monona county. NWS Omaha issued 42 tornado warnings during the outbreak, it reported .

Two NWS teams from the Des Moines office will survey damaged areas on Saturday. The office will begin to post survey results Saturday, but it will likely take days to rate the severity and path of all the touchdowns.

11:15 p.m.: Minden, Iowa, appears to be hardest hit by Friday's system; storms may continue through the weekend

Friday’s system ushered strong storms across the state, leaving widespread debris and devastation in their wake.

The small town of Minden in northcentral Pottawattamie County appears to have suffered some of the most significant damage, according to state officials and storm chasers, who posted photos and videos of leveled houses and businesses.

As of about 11 p.m. Friday night, no fatalities had been reported in the town, which is 90 minutes west of Des Moines on I-80.

In response to the severe weather, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County. The proclamation initiates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program.

Saturday could see more scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, a few of which could be serve and bring heavy rain. Those storms may continue through Sunday morning.

Staying weather aware will be important for the rest of the weekend. Look out for wireless emergency alerts on your smartphone or stay up to date on forecasts at weather.gov/desmoines.

A few other tips for staying safe:

• Get in: If you are outside, get inside. If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
• Get down: Get underground if possible. If you can't, go to the lowest floor possible.
• Cover up: Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one danger. Use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.

11 p.m.: Severe thunderstorm 'capable of producing a tornado' spotted over Knapp Center and Drake Stadium

A severe thunderstorm 'capable of producing a tornado' was seen over Drake Stadium and the Knapp Center, according to the National Weather Service. The system was moving northeast at 45 mph.

A tornado warning was issued for central Polk County until 11:45 p.m.

"Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter," said the NWS. "Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur."

Drake University is hosting the Drake Relays. No information on delays or cancelations for Saturday's events had been announced by 11:15 p.m. Friday.,

10:10 p.m.: Metro under tornado watch until midnight; one tornado warning lingers

After an evening of strong storms that brought multiple “large and dangerous” tornadoes, heavy rain and sizable hail, most of the system has dissipated.

The last tornado warning issued in the area was in northeast Jasper County and expired at 10:30 p.m.

Metro counties Polk, Warren, Madison and Jasper — as well as many southcentral counties — are still under a watch until midnight.

Full list of counties remaining under a tornado watch until midnight:

10 p.m.: Cross-streets completely blocked in Pleasant Hill

Several cross-streets are completely blocked by emergency crews and tree debris south of the Pleasant Hill Hy-Vee. Lots of traffic seem to be trying to leave the surrounding neighborhoods, which are without power.

9:45 p.m.: 15,000 MidAmerican customers without power

There are about 15,000 MidAmerican Energy customers without power, according to the utility.

At least 11,843 east-side residents were without power, according to MidAmerican.

9:35 p.m.: Highway 34 closed between Creston and Afton; reunification center set up at local Walmart

U.S. Highway 34 between Creston and Afton closed Friday night due to debris blocking the road, according to Iowa 511.

A command center for ambulances and family reunification was set up at Walmart on Laurel St., according to the Creston Police Department. No fatalities or injuries have been confirmed as of about 9:30 p.m. in Creston, according to the police department. 

9:30 p.m.: Zach Bryan concert will go on; 'Severe weather protocols' being followed

Zach Bryan's Quittin' Time Tour will go on as scheduled, according to the Iowa Events Center.

"We are following our established severe weather protocols while we are in a tornado warning," said Adam Flack, director of marketing for the arena. "The show will go on and we have closed the concourse until the warnings expire. Everyone is encouraged to stay inside the seating bowl away from entrances and glass."

9 p.m.: 'Large and extremely dangerous' tornado near Pleasant Hill

The National Weather Service has confirmed a "large and extremely dangerous tornado" over Pleasant Hill. It is moving northeast at about 35 mph.

Those in the area are in "a life-threatening situation," NWS said. "Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible."

The tornado warning issued for Southeastern Polk and Western Jasper Counties is extended until 9:30 p.m.

KCCI reported that the Pleasant Hill tornado was "lofting" debris into the air.

The system is "one of the most intense rotational signatures we've seen today," said meteorologist Jason Sydejko.

At Southeast Polk Jr. High School, a production of "Annie Jr." was stopped and the audience was ushered to shelter in the hallway.

8:50 p.m.: Tornado warnings issued for eight Iowa counties

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued tornado warnings until 9:30 p.m. for the following counties:

• Southeastern Union County
• Northeastern Ringgold County
• Northeastern/west central Clarke County
• Northwestern Lucas County
• Northwestern/west central Marion County
• Northeastern/southeastern Warren County
• Southeastern Polk County
• Western Jasper County

8:33 p.m.: 'Tornadic super cells' headed into Des Moines; Take shelter

Multiple tornadic super cells are making their way into the metro, according to KCCI.

Sirens have been heard across the metro area.

Urbandale and Clive residents should be in their safe spaces. Metro residents should also get to basements or below ground level.

• Get in: If you are outside, get inside.  If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
• Get down: Get underground if possible. If you can't, go to the lowest floor possible.
• Cover up: Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one danger.  Use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.
• Look out for wireless emergency alerts on your smartphone or stay up to date on forecasts at  weather.gov/desmoines .

At 8:23 p.m., a confirmed tornado was located near Cumming, or near West Des Moines, moving northeast at 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

8:30 p.m.: Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County, where Minden was hit hard

In response to the severe weather Friday night, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County. The proclamation initiates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program.

Minden, which was hit hard by a tornado earlier in the evening, sits in northern section of the county.

From a news release:

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action association or visit iowacommunityaction.org.

8:26 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Des Moines metro

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a tornado warning for Polk, Madison, Dallas and Warren counties until 8:45 p.m.

The tornado warning includes:

Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Altoona, Waukee, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Grimes, Windsor Heights, Saylorville, Granger, Jordan Creek Town Center, Merle Hay Mall, Iowa Events Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines Int`l Airport, and Principal Park.

8:05 p.m.: Tornado watch extended to midnight in Polk, Story, Boone and Jasper Counties

The Tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service has been extended to midnight in 10 counties, including Polk, Jasper, Boone and Story counties. Further South, counties including Appanoose, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Warren and Wayne are under the same watch.

The metro as well as larger population centers like Ames, Indianola, Newtown, Knoxville and Pella are now covered by the watch.

Possible threats connected to this storm system could include "a few tornados" with "a couple intense tornados possible," according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds could gust to about 70 mph and scattered large hail, including pieces possibly measuring 2.5 inches in diameter, are also possible.

7:45 p.m.: Minden, Iowa, seems to be destroyed

Storm chasers have posted video and photos of what looks to be catastrophic damage in Minden, Iowa, located about 90 minutes west of Des Moines on I-80.

7:45 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for southern Iowa counties

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a tornado warning for southwestern Madison, central Union, western Clarke and southeastern Adair counties until 8:30 p.m.

7:45 p.m.: Tornadoes located over Creston, Mount Ayr

At 7:43 p.m., NWS confirmed a tornado located over Creston Municipal Airport moving northeast at 35 mph.

At 7:47 p.m., NWS confirmed a tornado located over Mt Ayr Municipal Airport moving northeast at 35 mph.

7:40 p.m.: Tornadoes confirmed near Afton, Redding

The National Weather Service in Des Moines confirmed a tornado located near Afton moving northeast at 30 mph.

At 7:34 p.m., another tornado was reported near Redding moving northeast at 40 mph.

7:29 p.m.: Tornado warnings issued for counties in south central Iowa

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a tornado warning for Madison, Union, Adair and Ringgold counties until 8 p.m.

At 7:16 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 5 miles northeast of Green Valley Lake State Park moving northeast at 40 mph.

At 7:21 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Irena moving northeast at 45 mph.

7:13 p.m.: Tornadoes located near Manilla, Creston, Vail

The National Weather Service in Des Moines confirmed a tornado located over Manilla moving northeast at 45 mph.

At 7:05 p.m., NWS confirmed a tornado located over Creston moving northeast at 40 mph.

At 7:07 p.m., NWS confirmed a new tornado located 5 miles south of Vail moving northeast 40 mph.

The NWS reports that the tornados are on the ground and residents should take cover.

7 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Union, Adams and Adair counties

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a tornado warning for Union, Adams and Adair counties until 7:45 p.m. Friday.

At 6:54 p.m., the NWS confirmed a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Kent moving northeast at 30 mph.

6:49 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for west central Iowa, tornado located near Vail

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a tornado warning for northeastern Crawford County in west central Iowa until 7:30 p.m.

At 6:43 p.m., the NWS confirmed a "large and extremely dangerous" tornado located 5 miles southwest of Vail moving north at 30 mph.

The NWS has labeled the tornado as life-threatening and urges residents to take cover.

6:38 p.m.: 'Large and extremely dangerous' tornado located near Irwin

The National Weather Service in Des Moines confirmed a “large and extremely dangerous” tornado was located near Irwin moving northeast at 30 mph.

The NWS has labeled this a “particularly dangerous situation” and urges residents to take cover.

6:28 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for southwestern Iowa

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a tornado warning from southeastern Adams County and Taylor County until 7 p.m. Friday.

At 6:20 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 5 miles east of Braddyville moving northeast at 40 mph.

At 6:28 p.m., the thunderstorm was located near Corning Municipal Airport moving northeast at 55 mph.

The storm could produce a tornado as well as quarter-size hail.

5:15 p.m.: Tornadoes confirmed in southwest Iowa

Spotters confirmed a tornado around 5:15 p.m. about 9 miles east of Council Bluffs, The National Weather Service reported. The tornado was moving northeast at 45 mph.

A tornado touched down in another area about 7 miles southwest of Treynor, moving in the same direction.

NWS radars also confirmed a different tornado 7 miles northwest of Neola around 5:20 p.m.

3:47 p.m.: Tornado watch issued for parts of central Iowa, stop just short of Polk County

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of central Iowa until 9 p.m. Friday.

The watch picks up on the edge of an earlier tornado watch in western Iowa and extends up to the Des Moines metro area. Dallas County is included in the watch, but Polk, Story and Warren counties are not at this time.

Severe weather including a few tornadoes, large hail and strong wind gusts are possible, according to the National Weather Service in Des Moines. Isolated heavy rainfall may also occur.

12:55 p.m.: Tornado watch issued for parts of western Iowa

A tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of western Iowa until 7 p.m. Friday.   

Counties in the watch are at risk of seeing tornadoes, apple-sized hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph.

This is the first wave in a weekend of storms expected in Iowa . Most of the state has the potential to see severe storms, tornadoes and heavy rainfall all weekend. Storms are expected to move toward central Iowa in the evening hours Friday.

More: What's the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning?

Radar: What's the weather radar in Des Moines, central Iowa?

Here's a look at the National Weather Service's Des Moines radar loop:

Find shelter: What should you do in the case of severe weather?

Staying weather aware will be important. Look out for wireless emergency alerts on your smartphone or stay up to date on forecasts at  weather.gov/desmoines .

NWS has some  more tips for severe weather :

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