A tornado warning was in effect for parts of central Iowa on the evening of April 23, including areas near Ames, Huxley, Slater, Cambridge, and Kelley.
During the warning, radar and storm chasers indicated a possible tornado touchdown near Ames in Story County. Authorities had not yet confirmed the touchdown.
The Iowa State University Police Department urged residents to act quickly, writing on Facebook, “A tornado warning has been issued for the Ames area. Seek shelter immediately.”
Ames is located approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines in central Iowa. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.
NWS Alert
A tornado warning remained in effect until 8:00 p.m. CDT for portions of northern Polk, southwestern Story, and southeastern Boone counties on Thursday evening.
At 7:27 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Sheldahl—about 11 miles southwest of Ames—and was moving northeast at 40 mph. Radar indicated rotation within the storm, signaling the potential for tornado development.
The primary hazard includes a possible tornado, with flying debris posing a serious danger to anyone caught without shelter. Authorities warned that mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, while homes and businesses may experience damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Tree damage is also likely.
Communities in the storm’s path included Huxley, Slater, Sheldahl, and Kelley around 7:30 p.m., followed by Ames, Cambridge, and the Ames Municipal Airport around 7:35 p.m. The storm was expected to approach Nevada by approximately 7:45 p.m.
Additional impacted locations include Big Creek State Park, Alleman, Maxwell, and surrounding areas. A stretch of Interstate 35 between mile markers 98 and 118 also falls within the warning zone.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building, ideally in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
