Photo: National Weather Service/Stephanie C. Green
(Des Moines, IA) -- A strong thunderstorm in central Iowa this (Friday) afternoon brought rain and hail that ranged in size from dime to golf-ball. There was also report of a hail stone that was 3 inches in diameter. The storm prompted a severe thunderstorm warning for Polk County, as well as parts of Dallas, Madison, Warren, and Jasper counties. The storm moved east at 35 mph and brought welcome rain to the area.
The National Weather Service says reports of hail came from Clive and West Des Moines.
Additional storms are possible for the rest of this afternoon, tonight and into tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
This week's U-S Drought Monitor Map shows nearly 67-percent of the state is still either abnormally dry or in some form of drought. Central Iowa is in moderate-to-severe drought. Northwest Iowa continues to be the most dry spot in the state.