Iowa Storms Strike State Fair: Thousands Powerless, Chaos Erupts
Iowa Weather Alert: Thursday Morning Storms Rattle Central Iowa & Shake Up State Fair Plans
Quick Summary: Strong storms rolled through central Iowa early Thursday morning, bringing heavy rain, tornado warnings, power outages, and schedule changes to the Iowa State Fair’s opening day. More rain is expected through Friday.
What Happened This Morning?
Imagine waking up to loud thunder rumbling outside your window before the sun even comes up. That’s exactly what happened across central Iowa on Thursday, August 13.
- Severe thunderstorm warnings covered most of central Iowa for much of the morning.
- Tornado warnings were issued for Polk, Story, Marshall, and Jasper counties — they lasted until about 7:15 a.m.
- The storms didn’t just make noise — they brought heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding.
Power Outages: Who Lost Electricity?
As of 9:10 a.m., about 2,200 MidAmerican Energy customers were without power.
| Area | Customers Affected |
|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | Over 1,500 |
| Des Moines Metro | Hundreds more |
Need to check your outage status?
Visit the MidAmerican Energy Outage Map for real-time updates.
How Much Rain Fell? (Spoiler: A Lot!)
The storms dumped 1 to 2 inches of rain across the Des Moines metro — and some spots got even more.
Top Rainfall Totals (as of ~9 a.m.)
- Norwalk: 2.70 inches
- Exira: 2.51 inches
- Indianola: 2.46 inches
- Norwalk (another gauge): 2.31 inches
- Des Moines Airport: 2.27 inches
- Atlantic: 2.17 inches
Want the full list? Check the updated rainfall totals here.
Iowa State Fair: Opening Day Gets a Rain Check
The Iowa State Fair kicked off today — but Mother Nature had other plans. Several events were moved, delayed, or canceled due to flash flooding and wet grounds.
Schedule Changes for Thursday, August 13
| Event | Change |
|---|---|
| Dean Avenue | Temporarily CLOSED due to flash flooding |
| Historical Walking Tour | Rescheduled to 3 p.m. today |
| Opening Ceremonies | Moved to Penningroth Sale Ring at 9 a.m. |
| Twins, Triplets & More Contest | Rescheduled to August 23 at 9 a.m. (MidAmerican Energy Stage) |
| Dance Avenue | Rescheduled to August 21 at 9 a.m. (MidAmerican Energy Stage) |
| Kids’ Club | CANCELED for today — coupon books available at tomorrow’s event |
Fairgoers: Keep an eye on the Iowa State Fair website or app for more updates throughout the day.
What’s Next? Thursday & Friday Forecast
Here’s the simple version of what’s coming:
This Afternoon
- Storms break up
- Easterly winds at 10–20 mph
- Highs in the low 80s — but it’ll feel muggy (high humidity)
Tonight & Friday
- Storm chances return
- Main threats: heavy rain and isolated gusty winds
- 2 to 4 inches of rain possible over the next couple of days
- Rivers and streams could rise — watch for flooding
Pro tip: Keep a rain jacket handy and avoid driving through flooded roads — turn around, don’t drown!
Important Points to Remember
CALL OUT: KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Tornado warnings expired by 7:15 a.m. — but stay alert for new alerts.
- Power is still out for thousands — report outages to MidAmerican Energy.
- Flash flooding closed Dean Ave at the Fair — plan alternate routes.
- More heavy rain is coming tonight and Friday — monitor forecasts.
- Fair events are rescheduled, not canceled (mostly) — check updated times.
Summary
Thursday morning brought loud, wet, and windy storms to central Iowa. Thousands lost power, some areas saw nearly 3 inches of rain, and the Iowa State Fair had to shuffle its opening day schedule. The good news? The worst of this round is over — but more storms are likely tonight and Friday, with heavy rain and possible flooding. Stay informed, stay dry, and check on neighbors if you can.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
1. Were there any confirmed tornadoes?
The article mentions tornado warnings were issued for several counties until 7:15 a.m., but it doesn’t confirm touchdowns. Check the National Weather Service for official storm surveys.
2. Is the Iowa State Fair still open today?
Yes! The fair is open — just with some events moved or delayed. Most attractions, food, and exhibits are running as planned.
3. How do I report a power outage?
Call MidAmerican Energy at 1-800-799-4443 or use their online outage map.
4. Should I be worried about flooding?
Yes — especially near rivers and low-lying areas. With 2–4 more inches of rain possible, flash flooding and rising streams are a real concern through Friday.
5. Where can I get the latest weather alerts?
- KCCI Weather App or kcci.com
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone (make sure they’re turned on!)
Stay safe, Iowa! The storms may be loud, but you’ve got this — just keep an eye on the sky and your phone for alerts.