Iowa severe weather: Central Iowa schools closing early Friday ahead of severe storms

Some students are getting an early start to spring break as the NWS severe weather outlook prompts districts to close schools early.

Waukee was the first major district in central Iowa to announce schools were closing early due to the forecasted storms.

At least one smaller district in central Iowa also announced plans to close early. 

Here’s what we know.

Waukee schools closing two hours early

Waukee CSD will dismiss two hours early on March 14 due to expected weather conditions. There will be no afternoon preschool and all evening activities and classes will be canceled.

Here’s when schools close:

• Elementary schools will dismiss at 1:40 p.m.
• Middle schools at 12:58 p.m.
• Prairieview and Timberline at 12:50 p.m.
• High schools at 1:10 p.m.

NWS severe weather outlook: Storm risk starts at 4 p.m.

Much of central Iowa is under a moderate (level 4) risk of severe weather Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service’s severe weather outlook.

High winds, with gusts up to 70 mph, are the primary threat.

More: Risk of severe thunderstorms increases in Iowa for Friday afternoon

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.