Des Moines, Iowa – Strong thunderstorms could disrupt travel and knock out power across much of Iowa by the Wednesday evening commute as storms rapidly develop after 3 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, scattered severe storms are expected to form Wednesday afternoon and intensify into the evening, with large hail and damaging wind gusts as the primary threats. A few tornadoes are also possible, especially as storms track northeast at speeds near 40 mph.
The highest impacts are expected across central and southern Iowa, including Des Moines, Ames, and Ottumwa, where a level 2 risk indicates scattered severe storms. Along major corridors like Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, drivers could encounter sudden visibility drops below a mile, hail large enough to damage vehicles, and wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs.
Northern Iowa, including Fort Dodge and Mason City, faces a lower but still notable risk. Storm development will depend on how earlier activity evolves, making timing and intensity subject to change through the afternoon.
Residents should secure outdoor items, keep phones charged, and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Additional alerts are likely as conditions evolve through Wednesday night.
