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Severe Weather Resources
Last Content Update:
Severe Weather Alert
Thursday, April 2, 2026
The National Weather Service has removed Indianola and Warren County from the Tornado Watch as of 3:46 p.m. Thursday, April 2. The watch remains in effect for other areas of the state until 8 p.m.
Friday, April 3, 2026
There is an enhanced risk of severe storms across portions of central and southern Iowa on Friday, April 3. Large hail, damaging wind and tornadoes are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy rainfall may also lead to ponding or localized flooding. Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware and monitor forecasts and alerts throughout the day.
Review Latest Forecast Details
When severe weather strikes, please take advantage of the resources and information available below.
As weather conditions can change quickly throughout the year, the City of Indianola encourages all residents to stay prepared and stay informed during severe weather events.
Please keep the following in mind:
- Stay aware of weather hazards by signing up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa, or use a NOAA Weather Radio or another reliable alerting tool. Timely alerts can provide valuable seconds to seek shelter and stay safe.
- Make an emergency plan with your family. Identify where you will go and what actions you will take to remain safe if severe weather impacts your area.
- Build an emergency kit with essential items your household may need if you must evacuate or shelter in place.
Everything You Need to Stay Weather Aware
Below are several helpful tools and information sources to use before, during and after severe weather:
National Weather Service
Access forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service Office in Des Moines.
Notification Alerts
Subscribe to the City's notification system for real-time alerts and related updates.
City Website and Social Media
Stay informed through official announcements online at www.indianolaiowa.gov and on the City's social media channels.
County and State Notifications
Warren County Emergency Management utilizes Alert Iowa, the State of Iowa’s official emergency notification system.
- Sign up for Warren County Alerts.
- Download the Iowa 511 app or bookmark 511ia.org.
- Follow your local National Weather Service (NWS) office. For Indianola, it’s National Weather Service - Des Moines.
Ready Iowa
Ready Iowa, through the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, offers various resources and reminders for citizens.
Local Media Partners
Severe weather and emergency-related information and news will also be made available typically through local media partners including:
Newspaper
Television
- KCCI: Channel 8
- KCWI: Channel 23.1
- KDMI: Channel 19.1
- WHO: Channel 13
- WOI: Channel 5
Radio
- AM Stations: KRNT 1350, KPSZ 940, KWKY 1150, KXNO 1460 and WHO 1040.
- FM Stations: KNIA 94.3, The Bus 100.3, KGGO 94.9, KHKI 97.9, KIOA 93.3, KISS 107.5, KJJY 92.5, KWQW 98.3, KXNO 106.3, Lazer 103.3, Lite 104.1 and STAR 102.5.
Explore Safety Topics
Weather hazards can develop quickly, and knowing how to respond can make a meaningful difference. Explore the safety topics below to learn practical steps for protecting yourself and your family in a variety of severe weather situations, courtesy of the National Weather Service.
- What do the sirens mean?
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- The OWSS will be activated upon receipt of a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Polk County.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings where forecasted or actual wind speeds reach or exceed 70mph (61kts)
- Sirens will sound in a cycle of 3-5 minutes, followed by a 10-15-minute break for the duration of the threat (warning period).
Please note that cities do perform a monthly siren test to ensure all sirens are functioning. The entire system is tested at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month unless severe weather is imminent.
- What should I do if I hear the sirens?
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When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune in to local media to get more information.
- Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house?
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Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.
- Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal?
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People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.
- Who activates the outdoor warning sirens?
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Sirens are typically activated by city or county officials, usually a police or fire department or emergency management personnel. Check with your city or county officials to learn more.
- Why are the outdoor warning sirens sometimes sounded for hail and wind?
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When thunderstorm winds exceed 70 mph, trees can be uprooted or snapped. Hail that is golf ball sized or larger can break windows. Both of these things pose a direct risk to life if people are caught outdoors.
- Will the outdoor warning sirens warn me of every dangerous storm?
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The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, emergency and severe weather alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media.
- How can I receive severe weather or emergency alerts?
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In the event of an emergency or severe weather, it’s important to stay informed. Warren County Emergency Management utilizes “Alert Iowa” – State of Iowa’s official emergency notification system. Alerts can provide valuable seconds for you to seek shelter and can help keep you safe during an emergency.
The National Weather Service also says every home and business should have a NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather, and it can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area so you can take appropriate action.
- What is the difference between a watch and warning?
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A Tornado WATCH means Be Prepared. A Tornado WARNING means Take Action! weather.gov/safety/tornado-ww
- What do I do during flooding?
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Don’t underestimate the power of water. It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock over and carry away an adult, and 12 inches to carry away a small car. Turn Around Don’t Drown!
Please Note: This webpage provides a curated selection of severe‑weather resources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list, and additional resources may exist.
Content will continue to be updated over time. To submit a resource for consideration, please email the City of Indianola Communications Department at communications@indianolaiowa.gov.