Des Moines, Iowa – Much of central, north-central, and west-central Iowa remains under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 a.m. Sunday, with forecasters warning of damaging winds up to 75 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The watch covers 25 counties, including the Des Moines metro, Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Carroll, and Atlantic.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, strong to severe storms moving east through the early morning could produce scattered wind damage and localized hail impacts. The storm line is expected to impact travel on Interstate 80, Interstate 35, and U.S. Highway 30, particularly in low-visibility heavy rain bursts.
Cities such as Indianola, Pella, Newton, and Webster City may see the strongest gusts before sunrise, with rural areas facing a risk of downed trees and power lines. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and avoid driving in high wind conditions…