Des Moines, Iowa – Residents across central and western Iowa are waking up to a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until noon Saturday, with storms capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued the watch early this morning for 29 counties, including Polk, Dallas, Carroll, Boone, and Madison.
According to the NWS, storm clusters are already moving northeast across western Iowa, with the potential to strengthen as they track toward the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities. These storms could bring down tree limbs, cause localized power outages, and create hazardous driving conditions from torrential rain and reduced visibility.
Emergency officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, avoid travel during peak storm activity, and monitor local weather alerts. Lightning will be a significant threat, and anyone outdoors should move inside immediately when thunder is heard…