Violent Storms Ravage Iowa: Power Out, State Fair Rocked
Iowa Weather Alert: Thursday Morning Storms Bring Rain, Wind, and Fair Changes
What Happened This Morning?
Imagine waking up to loud booms of thunder and bright flashes of lightning before the sun is even fully up. That’s exactly what happened across central Iowa early Thursday morning! Strong storms rolled through the state, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and even a few tornado warnings.
Important Point: These weren’t just regular rain showers — they were severe thunderstorms, which means they had the power to cause damage.
Tornado Warnings Issued
For a while this morning, the National Weather Service put several counties under a tornado warning. This means radar spotted rotation in the clouds — the kind that could produce a tornado.
Counties under tornado warning (until ~7:15 a.m.):
- Polk County
- Story County
- Marshall County
- Jasper County
ELI5 Explanation: A tornado warning means "Take cover NOW — a tornado might be happening or about to happen." A tornado watch means "Conditions are right for tornadoes — stay alert."
Power Outages Across Central Iowa
The storms knocked out electricity for thousands of people. As of 9:10 a.m.:
- ~2,200 MidAmerican Energy customers were without power
- 1,500+ outages in Fort Dodge
- Hundreds more in the Des Moines metro area
What to do if your power is out:
- Stay away from downed power lines — they can still be live and dangerous
- Report your outage to MidAmerican Energy
- Check for updates here: MidAmerican Energy Outage Map
How Much Rain Fell?
A LOT. Most of the Des Moines metro got 1 to 2 inches of rain in just a few hours. Some spots saw over 2 inches — that’s like dumping a big bucket of water on your yard!
Top rainfall totals (as of ~9 a.m.):
| City | Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Norwalk | 2.70 inches |
| Exira | 2.51 inches |
| Indianola | 2.46 inches |
| Norwalk (second report) | 2.31 inches |
| Des Moines Airport | 2.27 inches |
| Atlantic | 2.17 inches |
Full updated list: KCCI Rainfall Totals
Iowa State Fair: Opening Day Schedule Changes
The Iowa State Fair opened today (August 13), but Mother Nature had other plans. Because of flash flooding and wet grounds, fair organizers moved or canceled several events.
Here’s what changed for Thursday, August 13:
| Original Event | New Plan |
|---|---|
| Dean Avenue | 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. on MidAmerican Energy Stage |
| Dance Avenue | Rescheduled to August 21 at 9 a.m. on MidAmerican Energy Stage |
| Kids’ Club | Canceled for today — coupon books available at tomorrow’s event |
Fair Tip: If you’re heading to the fair today, wear waterproof shoes and check the Iowa State Fair website for real-time updates!
What’s Next? Thursday & Friday Forecast
Good news first: The morning storms will break up this afternoon. Winds will shift to the east at 10–20 mph, keeping temperatures in the low 80s.
But… it’s going to feel muggy (that sticky, sweaty feeling) because humidity stays high. And — you guessed it — more storms are coming.
Storm Chances Return Tonight & Friday
Main threats:
- Heavy rain (again!)
- Isolated gusty winds
Rainfall potential: 2 to 4 inches widespread over the next couple of days.
Watch Out: That much rain could cause rivers and streams to rise. If you live near water, keep an eye on local flood alerts.
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| This Morning | Severe storms, tornado warnings, 2,200+ power outages |
| Rainfall | 1–2.7+ inches across central Iowa |
| State Fair | Several events moved/canceled; Dean Ave closed |
| Tonight & Friday | More storms likely — heavy rain & gusty winds main threats |
| Total Rain (Next 2 Days) | 2–4 inches possible — flooding concern |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is the tornado warning still active?
A: No — the tornado warnings for Polk, Story, Marshall, and Jasper counties expired around 7:15 a.m. But stay weather-aware today!
Q: My power is out — when will it come back?
A: Check the MidAmerican Energy Outage Map for estimated restoration times. Crews are working on it!
Q: Can I still go to the Iowa State Fair today?
A: Yes! The fair is open. Just check the schedule changes above — some events moved locations or times. Dean Avenue is closed due to flooding.
Q: How much more rain are we expecting?
A: 2 to 4 inches total through Friday. That’s on top of what already fell this morning. Rivers may rise — avoid driving through flooded roads!
Q: What does "muggy" mean exactly?
A: It means the air is full of moisture (high humidity). Even if it’s only 82°F, it feels hotter and stickier because sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily.
Final Thought: Iowa weather keeps us on our toes! Stay safe, stay dry, and if you’re at the fair — enjoy a funnel cake for me.
Source: KCCI Des Moines | National Weather Service | Iowa State Fair | MidAmerican Energy