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Overnight storms cause power outages, damage in Des Moines metro

Wind gusts of 60 mph were recorded as the storm blew through late Monday night.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Thousands of MidAmerican Energy customers woke up without power early Tuesday after a severe thunderstorm moved through central Iowa overnight.

Around 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, MidAmerican's website reported more than 10,000 customers were without power. 

By 8:00 a.m., that number had dropped below 2,000.

The severe storm hit the Des Moines metro between 11:30 p.m. Monday and 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, packing wind gusts up to 60 mph, torrential rain, loud thunder and frequent lightning.

At times, the rain became so heavy, drivers were forced to pull over until conditions improved.

Thankfully, the strongest part of the storm was short-lived, but occasional rain continued through much of the morning.

Most spots picked up on over an inch of rainfall as the storms occurred, which is certainly a welcome sight after a really dry summer.

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The intense wind led to downed trees and power lines across several neighborhoods, especially on the south side of Des Moines.

In the 200 block of East Wall Avenue in Des Moines, part of the street was blocked overnight as crews worked to clean up and debris and restore power to nearby homes.

Other areas of Des Moines experienced tree and power line damage, including some streets south of Drake University. 

A wind gust of 60 mph was reported in Polk City and Waukee, while a 59 mph wind gust was recorded in Woodward and at the Des Moines International Airport.

Near Ames, Story County emergency managers reported a small house fire likely induced by a lightning strike.

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