Des Moines, Iowa – Drivers along I-235 and I-35 should prepare for strong thunderstorms developing after 8 p.m. Thursday, with large hail posing an immediate risk to vehicles during the late evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, isolated severe storms are possible late Thursday evening into early Friday morning. The primary hazard will be large hail, potentially up to one inch in diameter. While storms may remain scattered Thursday night, coverage and intensity are expected to increase Friday afternoon and evening as instability strengthens across central Iowa.
Communities along I-80 from West Des Moines to Altoona could see hail-producing storms capable of damaging vehicles and siding. Wind gusts may reach 60 mph Friday afternoon, especially along the I-35 corridor stretching north toward Ames and south toward Indianola. These winds could down small tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
The most active window Friday centers on the 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. timeframe, when storms may organize and track east across Polk, Dallas and Story counties. Brief heavy rain could also create ponding on roadways, particularly on low-lying stretches of US-69 and urban streets with poor drainage.
Residents should secure outdoor items Thursday evening and remain weather-aware heading into Friday afternoon. Have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially if traveling during peak storm hours.
Additional watches or warnings may be issued as the severe threat becomes more defined late Thursday into Friday.
