Des Moines, Iowa – Scattered severe storms and heavy rainfall could soak southern Iowa through late Monday night, with flash flooding possible along and south of the I-80 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, two rounds of storms are expected—one beginning late Sunday into Monday morning and another, more intense wave, arriving late Monday into Monday night. Rainfall totals could reach 2 to 3 inches in southern counties, with localized amounts even higher. The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of southern Iowa, including Ottumwa and Creston, under a Level 2 excessive rainfall risk through Tuesday morning.
The strongest storms may produce large hail and damaging winds, especially in areas like Lamoni, Chariton, and the southern Des Moines metro. Flash flooding is a concern in urban areas with poor drainage, particularly along I-35 and US-34. River and stream levels are expected to rise quickly due to dry soil conditions unable to absorb heavy rain efficiently.
Residents should avoid travel during periods of heavy rain, secure outdoor items, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Power outages and brief road closures are possible in storm-prone zones.
Additional warnings or advisories could be issued as storms intensify. Alerts remain in effect through early Tuesday.
