More severe storms expected Wednesday after stormy start

DES MOINES, Iowa – A morning round of storms dropped a lot of rain across central Iowa and another round of severe storms is expected again Wednesday night.

Morning storms brought strong winds and hail. Wind gusts over 60 mph were reported in Ottumwa and Melcher-Dallas. Norwalk saw several reports of gusts in the 50-55 mph range. Hail quarter-sized or larger was reported in Des Moines, Waukee, and Yale (Guthrie County).

Significant amounts of rain fell, especially in the Des Moines metro. Des Moines saw over three inches of rain in just the span of a few hours. Here’s a list of larger totals since early this morning:

• Pella: 5.86″
• Des Moines: 3.90″
• Minburn: 3.50″
• Hartford: 3.32″
• Eldon: 3.25″
• Knoxville: 1.52″
• Ottumwa: 1.39″
• Pella: 1.00″

• Centerville: 0.87″
• Oskaloosa: 0.83″
• Fairfield: 0.58″
• Ankeny: 0.39″
• Ames: 0.32″
• Newton: 0.12″
• Boone: 0.10″
• Chariton: 0.08″

After the morning round of storms clears out, conditions will heat up. Temperatures will reach back to the 90s and the heat index enters the triple digits. A Heat Advisory is up for most of central and southern Iowa from 1 PM to 7 PM Wednesday.

The heat and humidity makes way for more storm chances later. Storms develop to the west and intensify as they move into western Iowa. Storm chances ramp up by 8 PM and persist until shortly after midnight. Straight-line winds will be the main threat, with a secondary threat for hail. The tornado risk is low.

Storm chances wind down after tonight, but the heat builds in. Temperatures will remain in the 90s through this week and into next weekend.

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