A severe weather front rolled across Iowa early Saturday morning.
The system brought heavy rainfall, lightning and thunder to parts of the state as well as a few tornado warnings.
A radar indicated tornado warning was issued for Story County, specifically Ames and Huxley, at 5:52 a.m. while another was issued for parts of Polk County, including Des Moines, at 6:22 a.m. No tornadoes were confimred to have actually touched down, although the National Weather Service in Des Moines is investigating reports of possible weak tornadoes in Gilbert and northeast of Polk City.
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Strong wind gusts downed tree limbs in the Nevada and Pilot Mound areas but there are no reports of significant damage, according to the National Weather Service. Pea sized hail was reported in Madrid, according to Boone County Emergency Management.
How much rain fell in central Iowa?
Des Moines saw 0.66 inches of rain Saturday morning, according to reports from the National Weather Service. significantly higher rainfall, with Bode topping the charts. The cities with the most rain were:
Bode: 4.85 inches
Garner: 2.86 inches
Pilot Mound: 2.5 inches
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Swaledale: 2.12 inches
Eagle Grove: 2.07 inches
Ames: 1.64 inches
Boxholm: 1.5 inches
Is more severe weather headed for Des Moines?
Lingering storms are expected to dissipate by midday Saturday, with the possibility of a return in the evening.
A severe weather outlook from the National Weather Service predicts a slight risk for severe weather in central and southeastern parts of the state. The NWS warns residents to be on the lookout for “damaging winds,” and notes that “brief” tornadoes are possible. Excessive rain is expected as well.
Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall across the state throughout the weekend. Three to five inches of rainfall could be expected into Sunday. The NWS forecasts at least a half inch to an inch of rain, “especially south of U.S. 20.”
Scattered flash floods are possible.
Norah Judson is a reporter for the Register. Reach her at njudson@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How much rain fell in Des Moines? More storms are on the way Saturday