High Wind Warning Issued for Northern and Central Iowa: Gusts Up to 60 MPH Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a High Wind Warning for portions of northern and central Iowa. This alert, issued by the NWS Des Moines office, indicates that a significant wind event is expected to impact the region, posing risks to travel and infrastructure.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad area of northern and central Iowa, specifically including the following counties:

• Worth
• Cerro Gordo
• Franklin
• Butler
• Bremer
• Hamilton
• Hardin
• Grundy
• Black Hawk
• Story
• Marshall

The alert specifically notes that the Interstate 35 corridor is within the affected zone.

Expected Conditions

Residents in the warned areas should prepare for the following conditions:

• Wind Speed: West to northwest winds of 30 to 35 mph.
• Wind Gusts: Peak gusts are expected to reach around 60 mph.
• Impacts: These damaging winds are capable of blowing down tree limbs and power lines, which may lead to power outages. Additionally, travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends the following safety precautions:

• Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm.
• Stay away from windows to avoid potential injury from breaking glass or debris.
• Watch for falling debris and tree limbs if you are outdoors.
• Use extreme caution if you must drive, especially when operating high-profile vehicles in open areas.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is scheduled to go into effect at 10:00 PM CDT on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 10:00 AM CDT on Friday, March 13, 2026.