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(Des Moines, IA) -- Strong storms moving through Central Iowa prompted Flash Flood Warnings from the National Weather Service. An initial warning in the Des Moines metro was issued early Friday morning and allowed to expire.
Another Flash Flood Warning was issued for the metro Friday afternoon. Meteorologist Ashley Bury tells WHO Radio News they are keeping an eye on potential flooding of local creeks and streams. Water on roadways could make travel hazardous.
The morning storms knocked out power to 30,000 MidAmerican Energy customers. Another 600 outages were reported by Alliant Energy.
A tornado is suspected of touching down near the Iowa Speedway near Newton on Friday afternoon.
The morning storms also produced heavy rains and strong winds. The National Weather Service reported Earlham received just over 2.5 inches, while just over two inches fell in Altoona and Ankeny through mid-morning. Waukee and Norwalk each received nearly about 1.75 inches and Adel, Grimes, and Ames saw over 1.5 inches of rain Friday morning. The area received more rain in the afternoon into the evening.
Wind gusts of over 70 miles an hour were reported in Altoona and Waukee. High winds also led to the derailment of several grain cars in Mitchellville.