The first significant severe weather outbreak of the spring may take place in the region later this evening.
The National Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., has raised the risk level of severe weather through much of Southern Minnesota to an enhanced risk, or a 3 on the scale of 5.
A large swath of Iowa has a moderate risk of severe weather, or 4 on a scale of 5.
An enhanced risk of severe weather means numerous severe storms are possible, with the likelihood of storms being more persistent, widespread and intense. Storms would likely include strong winds, large hail and possible tornadoes, including the possibility of significant, long-tracking tornadic storms.
A moderate risk of severe weather means that numerous, widespread severe storms in the area are likely, with a considerable risk of significant severe weather within a 25-mile radius of any location within the moderate risk area.
The timing of the storms forecast for later today is still uncertain and the severity will largely depend on the timing of the storms. However, many high school sporting events in the region are scheduling earlier start times today, with hopes of completing events before the weather moves into the region.
