Des Moines, Iowa – Severe summer storms are poised to slam central Iowa Wednesday evening, bringing powerful winds, torrential rain, and possible flash flooding across Des Moines and surrounding counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Level 4 out of 5 Moderate Risk for severe weather remains in effect for Wednesday, July 30th, especially between 5 p.m. and midnight. Damaging winds topping 60 mph are the primary concern, with up to 2 inches of rain falling in under three hours — a flash flood watch is under consideration. Motorists should avoid low-lying areas and consider alternate routes, especially along I-35 and I-80 through Polk, Dallas, and Story counties.
Spotters may be activated again as storm cells begin to build from the southwest Tuesday evening into Wednesday. City officials in Des Moines urge residents to secure outdoor items and prepare for potential outages.
Additional showers are expected through Wednesday night, tapering off before sunrise Thursday. Rain totals may exceed local drainage limits, especially in flood-prone zones.
What’s Ahead:
- Thursday (July 31): Mostly sunny and dry, high of 76°F.
- Friday (Aug 1): Clear skies, sunny and mild, high near 76°F — perfect weather to start the weekend.
- Saturday (Aug 2): Mostly sunny again, high of 78°F.
- Sunday (Aug 3): Sunny, breezy, and near 81°F.
- Monday (Aug 4): Continued summer sun, highs in the low 80s.
Stay alert for any upgraded warnings through Wednesday evening, especially in central Iowa. More watches may be issued midday if storm development intensifies.
