DES MOINES – A wind advisory will be in effect for our area today.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines issued the advisory for portions of south central and southeast Iowa, including Mahaska, Marion, Wapello, Poweshiek, Jasper, Monroe, Davis, and Appanoose counties. It will be in effect from 2pm this afternoon until 11pm tonight. Additionally, the NWS in the Quad Cities issued a wind advisory for portions of east central and southeast Iowa, including Keokuk, Washington, and Iowa counties, which will be in effect from 2pm this afternoon until midnight tonight.

According to the NWS, west to northwest winds of 25-30 mph are expected today, with wind gusts up to 45 mph possible. These gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Officials with the NWS have also issued an Extreme Cold Watch for Friday into Saturday for our entire listening area. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero will be possible during the watch, which will be in effect from midnight Friday morning until noon on Saturday.