(Des Moines, IA) -- Showers and thunderstorms are possible today (Saturday) in Iowa. The National Weather Service says the afternoon will feature more storms, some could be strong to severe, with heavy rainfall.
Forecasters say low pressure will track across Iowa this afternoon and tonight. It will bring a risk of a few storms that could produce large hail, brief wind gusts and the possibility of a brief funnel cloud or tornado. The greater risk will generally be east of Interstate 35 this afternoon and evening. With the slow moving storms, there may also be some localized heavy rainfall that could result in street flooding or ponding of water in fields.
Most of Iowa is in some form of drought, but recent heavy rainfall in southern Iowa is raising the risk for flash flooding. There were several reports Thursday of seven inches of rain in Eldon in Wapello County, with unofficial totals that were close to ten inches. The heavy rain damaged roads, including major damage to a road near Blakesburg (pictured). Several roads were closed including Highway 16. It has since re-opened.
Flood damaged road near Blakesburg, IowaPhoto: WHO 13