Severe storms are likely to hit western Iowa, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to continue throughout the evening and into the night. Flash flooding concerns have prompted a flood watch for areas including Polk County until 7 a.m. Friday. The storm system has led to power outages affecting thousands of customers across central Iowa, with reports of downed trees and power lines in various areas.
MidAmerican Energy Company reported over 15,000 customers without power in central Iowa, with the highest concentrations in Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale, and Polk County. Alliant Energy also indicated over 1,000 customers without power in the western Des Moines metro area. Affected rural areas like Guthrie County and Hamilton County have also experienced power outages.
The severe weather watch extends to nearly 40 counties in central, southern, and western Iowa, with specific warnings for various regions. Power flashes and lightning have been observed on KCCI's downtown skycam as the storm system continues its path across central Iowa. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for several counties, advising residents to seek shelter due to damaging wind gusts.
Throughout the night, the storm is expected to impact areas such as Poweshiek County, Marshall County, Marion County, and Tama County, among others. Residents are urged to take precautions and move to safer interior locations during the severe weather conditions. Reports of wind gusts exceeding 50-60 mph have been noted around Bondurant and Altoona, further underlining the potential dangers of the storm system.
While a tornado warning for southeastern Guthrie County has expired, heavy rains, strong winds, and hail have been reported. Emergency management officials have noted damages such as fallen trees and large limbs impacting homes in parts of eastern Guthrie County. The intensity of the storm is expected to lessen as it moves eastward, although the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding remains prevalent, especially in western and northwest Iowa.
Looking ahead, the storm system is estimated to move out of the area by early Friday morning, ushering in slightly cooler weather for the afternoon. Despite a temporary reprieve, a possibility of additional storms is forecasted for Friday evening and night, primarily affecting southern Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. By the weekend, clearer skies and a milder climate are anticipated, with a potential return of storm chances by the middle of next week.
In light of the severe weather impact, precautions and updates are continuously being shared by local meteorological agencies and news outlets. Stay tuned for the latest developments and announcements as the storm system progresses through the region.