Severe Storms and Tornado Watches Hit Southwest Iowa

Forecasters warn of damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding across the region.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dramatic, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, with a vast, ominous sky dominating the scene and obscuring the horizon, conveying the sense of an impending severe storm.Foreboding storm clouds gather over the Iowa prairie, signaling the arrival of a potentially dangerous weather system.Des Moines Today

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for several counties in southwest and west central Iowa, as well as a Tornado Watch for additional counties in central, south central, southeast, and east central Iowa. The watches are in effect until 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm respectively, with the potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.

Why it matters

Severe weather can cause significant property damage, power outages, and pose a serious threat to public safety. Residents in the affected areas should closely monitor weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if storms become severe.

The details

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers Harrison, Crawford, Carroll, Audubon, Guthrie, Pottawattamie, and Mills counties, while the Tornado Watch extends to Adair, Adams, Taylor, and Union counties, as well as central, south central, southeast, and east central Iowa.

  • The Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 7:00 pm.
  • The Tornado Watch is in effect until 9:00 pm.

The players

National Weather Service in Des Moines

The regional office of the National Weather Service that issued the severe weather watches for southwest and central Iowa.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should closely monitor weather conditions, have a plan for seeking shelter, and be prepared to take action if severe storms develop.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of staying vigilant and prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially during the spring and summer months when storms can quickly become dangerous.