Des Moines, Iowa – Strong thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and sudden downpours are expected to sweep across central and eastern Iowa overnight, posing risks to travel and power lines through early Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 77 remains in effect until 3 a.m. Tuesday for dozens of counties, including Polk, Linn, Scott, Johnson, and Dubuque. Storms may produce wind gusts over 60 mph along with isolated hail, especially as clusters intensify after midnight.
In central Iowa, Des Moines and surrounding areas including Dallas, Warren, and Story counties could see bursts of heavy rain reducing visibility on I-35 and I-80. Farther east, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Davenport are in line for stronger storm cores that may down tree limbs and cause scattered outages, particularly along the Highway 30 and Mississippi River corridors.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, keep phones charged, and avoid unnecessary late-night travel. Have multiple ways to receive warnings as storms may strengthen quickly while many are sleeping.
The threat is expected to taper off toward sunrise Tuesday, though additional alerts could be issued if storms redevelop.
