Severe thunderstorms moved through Central Iowa on September 8, 2026, bringing damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain and widespread reports of downed trees and property damage.
KCCI reported storm damage across Central Iowa, including damage to a Landus Cooperative building near Mitchellville and a grain silo torn apart during the storm. The National Weather Service also warned that the storms were capable of damaging roofs, outbuildings, vehicles and trees across portions of Polk, Story, Marshall, Jasper, Boone, Warren, Marion, Mahaska and Poweshiek counties.
For homeowners, the combination of hail, high winds and falling trees creates several types of roof damage that may require immediate attention.
How Strong Were the September 8 Storms in Central Iowa?
The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings Tuesday evening as storms moved east through the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities.
At approximately 6:03 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Elkhart, about 10 miles northeast of Ankeny, and was moving east at approximately 45 mph. The warning included the potential for wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.25 inches in diameter.
The National Weather Service specifically warned of considerable tree damage and said wind damage was likely to roofs and outbuildings. Communities listed in the warning included Des Moines, Ames, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Grimes, Nevada, Bondurant, Polk City, Huxley, Mitchellville, Colfax and Prairie City.
A later warning affecting portions of Polk, Jasper, Warren, Marion, Mahaska and Poweshiek counties again listed potential wind gusts of up to 70 mph along with quarter-size hail.
Large Hail Was Reported Around Ankeny, Bondurant and Mitchellville
Storm reports from September 8 show that some areas experienced considerably larger hail than the minimum severe-weather threshold.
Reported hail included:
- Ankeny: hail up to 2.25 inches in diameter was reported.
- Ankeny: additional reports included 1.25-inch and 1.5-inch hail.
- Bondurant: hail up to 1.75 inches was reported northwest of the city.
- Mitchellville: reports included 1.5-inch and 1.75-inch hail.
A trained spotter near Ankeny also reported approximately 1.5-inch hail along with minor siding damage.
Hail does not have to break through a roof to cause roofing problems. Larger hailstones may fracture shingles, loosen granules, damage vents and flashing, or create impact marks that are difficult to identify from the ground.
https://www.stormersite.com/hail_reports/des_moines_iowa/2026/September/08
Wind Gusts Exceeded 70 MPH in Parts of Central Iowa
High winds were another major concern during Tuesday's storms.
A roadside weather station northeast of Ankeny measured a 71 mph wind gust, while other reports around Ankeny included gusts of 68 mph and 75 mph. A 74 mph gust was also reported near Madrid.
In Des Moines, storm reports included downed trees, damaged road signs and large branches. A downed tree was also reported in Clive.
KCCI's storm coverage documented damage across the region as the thunderstorms moved through Central Iowa Tuesday evening.
For roofs, winds of this strength may lift or remove shingles, damage ridge caps and flashing, expose underlayment, or cause tree limbs and debris to strike the roof.
What Central Iowa Homeowners Should Check After the Storm
You do not need to climb onto your roof to look for signs of storm damage.
Start with a visual inspection from the ground and around the property. Look for shingles or roofing material in the yard, lifted or missing shingles, damaged gutters, broken tree limbs, dents or marks on exterior surfaces and branches resting on the roof.
Inside the home, check ceilings, attic spaces and exterior walls for new water stains, moisture or active leaks.
Some storm damage will not be obvious immediately. Hail impact damage and partially lifted shingles may remain in place while still leaving areas vulnerable to future rain and wind.
If there is any uncertainty, a professional roof evaluation will help determine whether the storm caused damage that needs repair.
Fallen Trees and Emergency Roof Damage
Tuesday's storms produced multiple reports of downed trees and large branches throughout the Des Moines area.
This type of damage requires a different response than a routine roof inspection.
If a tree or large limb has damaged the roof, stay away from the affected area until it is safe. Structural damage, electrical lines and unstable tree limbs may create additional hazards.
Once the property is safe to access, emergency roofing work may include removing accessible debris, temporarily covering damaged sections of the roof, patching openings to help prevent additional rain from entering the home and identifying areas that will require permanent repairs.
Roof Leaks After Heavy Rain
Strong winds and hail may damage the roof while heavy rain exposes the problem almost immediately.
Water entering around a damaged shingle, roof penetration, vent, flashing or tree impact may begin as a small leak and spread into insulation, drywall or other areas of the home.
An active roof leak should be addressed quickly.
J. Bos Inc. Roofing Services provides emergency roof repairs and temporary patches designed to help limit additional water intrusion until permanent repairs can be completed.
Storm Damage Emergency Roofing Services and Inspections in Central Iowa
J. Bos Inc. Roofing Services has served Central Iowa homeowners for more than 35 years.
Following severe weather, our team provides roof evaluations for hail damage, wind damage, missing shingles, roof leaks and damage caused by fallen trees or branches.
We also provide emergency roof repair services, temporary roof patches, storm cleanup and complete roof repair or replacement when necessary.
Homeowners throughout Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Marshalltown and surrounding Central Iowa communities may schedule a roof evaluation following the September 8 storms.
If your home was affected by Tuesday's hail, wind, heavy rain or falling trees, schedule a roof evaluation with J. Bos Inc. Roofing Services.
