Tornado Warnings Lifted Over Des Moines — But the Threat Isn’t Over
Tornado Warnings Expire in Des Moines Area: What You Need to Know
Updated: August 13, 2026, 7:24 a.m. CT
Location: Des Moines metro area, Iowa
What Happened This Morning?
A pair of tornado warnings for the Des Moines metro area have now expired or been canceled. These warnings covered parts of Polk, Story, and Marshall counties as strong thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes moved through the region.
Important: Even though the tornado warnings are over, a severe thunderstorm warning remains active for counties just east of Des Moines. Stay alert!
Current Weather Alerts in Iowa
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Still Active
- Where: From Des Moines through southeast Iowa
- Until: 11:00 a.m. today
- Why: Storms continue moving across the state
Power Outages Reported
MidAmerican Energy reports about 3,000 customers without power:
- ~1,300 customers in West Des Moines
- ~1,300 customers in the Sioux City area
Tornado Safety: What to Do
If You’re at Home or in a Building
Follow these steps to stay safe:
- Get as low as possible – A basement below ground level is best
- If no basement, go to the lowest floor of the building
- Put walls between you and outside – Interior rooms (bathrooms, closets) are safest
- Stay away from windows – Flying glass is dangerous
- Cover your head – Use a helmet, pillow, or your arms
REMEMBER: The goal is to put as many walls as possible between you and the tornado.
If You’re Driving During a Tornado Warning
DO NOT try to outrun a tornado! Instead:
- Safely exit the road and get out of your vehicle
- Find a sturdy building for shelter (best option)
- Last resort only: Lie flat in a ditch, depression, or culvert
- Cover your head with your arms
Watch vs. Warning: What’s the Difference?
| Alert Type | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado Watch | Conditions are right for tornadoes, but none has formed yet | Stay alert, have a plan ready, watch the sky |
| Tornado Warning | A tornado is happening now or imminent (rotation seen or touchdown confirmed) | TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! |
Key Point: Watches can last hours. Warnings mean act NOW.
Stay Informed: Get Weather Alerts
Sign up for text alerts to get watches and warnings sent straight to your phone:
Check Current Conditions
- Live Radar: Des Moines Area Weather Radar
- Current Watches/Warnings: Iowa Weather Alerts Map
- Power Outage Map: MidAmerican Energy Outage Tracker
Summary
- Tornado warnings for Des Moines metro have expired/canceled
- Severe thunderstorm watch continues until 11 a.m. for central/southeast Iowa
- ~3,000 MidAmerican customers without power (West Des Moines & Sioux City)
- Best tornado safety: Basement → Interior room → Away from windows → Cover head
- Driving? Don’t outrun it. Get to a building. Ditch = last resort only
- Sign up for text alerts to stay informed automatically
Frequently Asked Questions
1. The tornado warning is over. Am I completely safe now?
Not necessarily. A severe thunderstorm watch is still active until 11 a.m. These storms can still bring damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding. Stay weather-aware.
2. What if I live in a mobile home?
Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. If a watch is issued, plan to go to a sturdier building (friend’s house, community shelter) before storms arrive. If a warning hits and you’re still there, get out and find the lowest ground possible.
3. Can I watch the storm from my window?
NO. Stay away from windows. Flying debris causes most tornado injuries. Go to an interior room immediately.
4. What should I have in my tornado shelter spot?
Keep a ready kit: flashlight, phone charger, water, helmet/bike helmet, sturdy shoes, whistle, and a way to get weather updates (phone, weather radio).
5. How do I know if a warning is issued for MY exact location?
Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone (usually on by default). Better yet, sign up for the text alerts linked above or use a weather app with push notifications for your specific address.
Reporter: Brian Smith, Senior Editor & Audience Strategist, Des Moines Register
Contact: bsmith@dmreg.com
Stay safe, Iowa!