Des Moines, Iowa – Severe thunderstorms are threatening central and southern Iowa tonight, with damaging winds and large hail expected to impact travel and power infrastructure through midnight. Wind gusts up to 70 mph could down tree limbs and power lines, especially along major corridors including I-35, I-80, and I-235, while hail up to 2 inches may dent vehicles and shatter windows.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines and the Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 138 and 139 remain active until 12 a.m. CDT for 28 counties across central, northeast, and southeast Iowa. The alerts include Polk, Dallas, Jasper, Marshall, Black Hawk, and Johnson counties, with a tornado or two possible as storms intensify.
Cities at greatest risk include Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Marshalltown, Newton, Indianola, and Oskaloosa. In southeast Iowa, areas such as Iowa City, Burlington, and Mount Pleasant are also under the watch. Scattered outages are possible as wind gusts exceed 60 mph, and emergency managers warn that rapid storm development could reduce visibility to near zero on open highways.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel overnight, secure outdoor objects, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power loss. If warnings are issued, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows.
Storms are expected to weaken after midnight, but additional alerts may be issued if conditions persist or redevelop into early Friday morning.
