Iowa Hit Hard! Severe Storms Cause Power Outages & Road Closures!
Iowa is reeling from a series of severe thunderstorms that swept across the state, leaving a trail of power outages and road closures in their wake. The storms, which began late Sunday and continued into Monday morning, brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruption, particularly in the northern half of the state.
Power Outages Plague MidAmerican Energy Customers
MidAmerican Energy reported that nearly 26,000 customers in the Des Moines area were without power shortly after the storms hit. While crews worked diligently to restore service, thousands remained in the dark for several hours. As of Monday afternoon, most customers had their power restored, but pockets of outages persisted, particularly in Council Bluffs.
Des Moines Faces Road Blockages and Traffic Light Failures
The Des Moines Police Department issued a warning to morning commuters, advising them to expect delays due to power outages, downed trees, and fallen limbs. Several major roadways and intersections were affected, including Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Ingersoll Avenue, and Fleur Drive and Highview Drive. The police urged drivers to treat any non-functioning traffic lights as four-way stops and to exercise caution while navigating affected areas.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued, More Storms Possible
A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 4 AM, and forecasters warned of the potential for more strong to severe storms. The primary threats associated with these storms are damaging winds and heavy rain. Residents are advised to stay informed of weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
Looking Ahead: Tuesday and Wednesday Forecast
The forecast for Tuesday includes a chance of isolated showers or storms early in the morning, followed by mostly sunny skies. However, there's a 50% chance of rain and storms on Tuesday night, with some storms potentially becoming strong. Wednesday is expected to be cloudy with rain and isolated storms throughout the day.
- Tuesday: Isolated showers/storms early, then mostly sunny. High: 84-93.
- Tuesday Night: 50% chance of rain/storms. Low: 65-70.
- Wednesday: Cloudy with rain and isolated storms. High: 73-76.