Des Moines, Iowa – Thunderstorms building across Iowa will ramp up Friday into Saturday, triggering a summer weather alert for flash flooding, especially near the North River by Norwalk Hwy R57 in Warren and Polk counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, strong storms on Friday could bring up to three-quarters of an inch of rain in a single burst, with additional showers expected into Saturday. A Flood Watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through early Saturday morning, with water levels on the North River forecast to reach flood stage by Friday evening.
At 22 feet, water overtops Iowa 28 near Norwalk, threatening nearby rural roads and fields. As of Wednesday night, the river sat at 13.2 feet. River flooding is expected to worsen, with moderate rises forecast for the Iowa, Cedar, Winnebago, Shell Rock, and Raccoon Rivers.
Residents near creeks and low-lying areas should prepare for rapid water rises. Avoid gravel roads near the floodplain, and never drive through water-covered routes.
Severe storms may also bring hail and damaging winds Friday. Storm chances linger into early Saturday before tapering off. Heat returns by Sunday, with highs nearing 92°F.
🔎 5-Day Iowa Forecast (Des Moines area)
- Thursday, June 26: Showers and storms likely. High 88°F. Rainfall totals near 0.75″.
- Friday, June 27: More thunderstorms expected after 1 p.m. High 85°F. Wind gusts up to 20 mph.
- Saturday, June 28: Slight chance of morning storms. Turning sunny, high 92°F.
- Sunday, June 29: Partly sunny, 30% chance of afternoon storms. High near 92°F.
- Monday, June 30: Mostly clear and dry. High 88°F.
- Tuesday, July 1: Sunny, seasonably warm. High near 85°F.
