(Des Moines) The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Flash Flood Warning for portions of central, south-central, southwestern, and west-central Iowa. The warning is in effect until 7:45 a.m. CDT.
At 1:49 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4.5 inches of rain have fallen, with higher amounts locally. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is possible through sunrise.
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. The warning covers southern Dallas County, southern Polk County, northern Madison County, northern Warren County, northern Adair County, northern Cass County, southern Audubon County and southern Guthrie County.
The National Weather Service identified the hazard as flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. Radar indicated the flooding threat, with potential impacts including flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other poor-drainage and low-lying areas.
Locations that could experience flash flooding include Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Indianola, Altoona, Waukee, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Grimes, Atlantic, Adel, Guthrie Center, Windsor Heights, Carlisle, Bondurant, Saylorville and Mitchellville.
Residents are urged to turn around and not drive through flooded roads, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles. People should also be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
For the latest stream observations and forecasts, the National Weather Service directs residents to weather.gov/desmoines/water.
