IOWA, USA — Storms got more rambunctious overnight than forecast, even popping severe southeast of the Des Moines metro.
A couple of things came into play to make it happen including unaccounted for moisture and spin. These players helped create a more unstable environment capable of sustaining storm development.
Storm reports were few and far between: one report out of Sigourney had 1" hail, while pea-size hail was reported in both West Des Moines and Indianola.
As for rain, an area of 1-2" radar-estimated totals fell southeast of the metro between I-80 and Highway 34. The Des Moines International Airport managed 0.20".
Here’s a look at some observed totals as of 8 a.m. Friday:
- Ottumwa: 0.71”
- Pella: 0.21”
- Des Moines: 0.20”
- Newton: 0.10”
- Grinnell: 0.08”
- Ankeny: 0.05”
- Knoxville: 0.01”
- Ames: Trace
- Marshalltown: Trace