Severe thunderstorms swept through Iowa, affecting thousands of MidAmerican Energy customers with power outages. The storms brought substantial rain to several regions, with rainfall totals exceeding one inch reported in the northern part of the state.
Initially, nearly 26,000 customers in the Des Moines area were without power following the storms that struck early on the morning of July 28. However, by 6:50 a.m., that number had decreased to 17,300, and as of 3 p.m., most residents had their power restored, leaving only about 314 customers statewide still offline. These remaining outages included around 80 customers in Des Moines and about 150 in Council Bluffs, where outages began around 1:30 p.m.
The Des Moines Police department cautioned morning commuters to expect delays due to road blockages and inoperable traffic lights caused by the storm’s aftermath. Drivers, bikers, and pedestrians are advised to approach intersections carefully, particularly at major roadways including Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Ingersoll Avenue, as well as Fleur Drive near the Des Moines International Airport.
Rainfall totals recorded in Des Moines were 0.44 inches overnight, while nearby locations experienced varying amounts, with Ames receiving 1.03 inches and Sheldon the highest total at 1.19 inches.
For residents affected by the outages, the Food and Drug Administration recommends discarding perishable foods after four hours without power and advises keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain the cold temperature as much as possible. A full freezer can keep food safe for almost 48 hours if unopened, while a half-full freezer should have a maximum safe duration of 24 hours.
As communities continue to recover from the storm’s impacts, residents can take comfort in the quick response from utility teams working to restore power and ensure safety on the roads. This resilient spirit will help the community come together and support one another through the aftermath of the weather events.