Des Moines, IA — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch for 37 Iowa counties, including Polk, as a powerful storm system begins its sweep across the state this Thursday, April 2.
The watch is in effect until 8:00 p.m. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay weather-aware as conditions are ripe for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
Tornado Watch: 37 Counties Impacted
Shortly before 2:00 p.m., the NWS triggered a watch for a massive swath of the state. The following counties are under the alert:
- Central/South Central: Polk, Jasper, Marion, Marshall, Warren, Lucas, Clarke, Decatur, Wayne.
- Eastern/Southeastern: Linn, Johnson, Scott, Dubuque, Clinton, Muscatine, Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and others stretching across the I-80 and Hwy 61 corridors.
What to Expect: Thursday’s Outlook
Meteorologists have placed much of central Iowa under a Level 2 (Slight) Risk, while eastern Iowa—spanning from Ottumwa through Iowa City up to Dubuque—faces a Level 3 (Enhanced) Risk.
Timing and Threats
- Window of Concern: The strongest storms are expected to peak between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in central Iowa.
- Intensity: Storms are moving fast at nearly 50 mph.
- Wind & Hail: Wind gusts of 70–85 mph are possible, along with hail up to 2 inches in diameter.
- Tornado Threat: Forecasters warn that any tornadoes that form could reach EF-2 strength. The highest probability for tornadoes (10-14%) is centered around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
Note: Storms are expected to clear the Des Moines metro area after 4:00 p.m. as the line pushes east.
Round Two: More Storms Friday
If you were hoping for a break, Friday, April 3, brings another round of volatile weather.
Another wave of severe storms is forecasted for Friday afternoon and evening (2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.). The highest risk will shift toward Southern Iowa, where 70 mph winds and an elevated tornado threat remain the primary concerns.
Local Impact: Des Moines Forecast
For those in the capital, expect a soggy and breezy 48 hours:
- Thursday: High of 66°F, cloudy with showers. Wind gusts up to 26 mph tonight.
- Friday: High of 63°F. More showers and thunderstorms likely, with wind gusts peaking at 31 mph.
Recent Rainfall Totals
The state has already seen significant moisture over the last 24 hours. Sioux City leads the state with 2.12 inches, followed by Fairfield (1.67″) and Centerville (1.52″).
Stay Safe: Ensure your weather radio is on and your phone is charged to receive emergency alerts. Seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued for your area.
