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NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 50309

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 50309 from August 16, 1997 through September 8, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 50309 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
16
Wind Reports
33
Tornado Reports
1
Max Hail Size
1.50″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 50309 · 1997–present Updated  Daily · last Sep 8, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 50309

16 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.50″ hail
Apr 17, 2026
7:11 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Multiple reports across the metro of 1 to 1.5 inch hail. Time/location estimated from radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: Des Moines, IA
1.25″ hail
Jul 30, 2024
6:00 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Reported by Trained Spotter.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NW Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Aug 19, 2022
7:56 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM MPING: QUARTER (1.00 IN.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 WNW Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Jul 9, 2021
7:24 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: AT THE CAPITAL COMPLEX.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NNE Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Oct 1, 2019
10:32 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM MPING: QUARTER (1.00 IN.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Apr 8, 2015
11:30 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.07 S Des Moines, IA
0.88″ hail
Apr 8, 2015
11:25 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Apr 14, 2012
4:25 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Jun 9, 2011
7:25 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Northern side of downtown Des Moines.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
0.88″ hail
Jun 9, 2011
6:37 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Downtown Des Moines at east 1st and Court Ave.
NWS Hail Report Location: .97 SSE Des Moines, IA
0.88″ hail
Feb 26, 2009
12:51 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Occurred near Drake University.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
0.75″ hail
Jul 27, 2008
5:30 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
0.88″ hail
Jul 19, 2008
8:18 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
1.25″ hail
Jun 25, 2008
8:12 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from KCCI television from 2nd Ave and Interstate 80.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 S Des Moines, IA
0.88″ hail
Jun 25, 2008
8:00 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: The Des Moines fire department reported dime to nickel size hail at East 14th St and Court Ave.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.38 S Des Moines, IA
Showing 15 of 16
Hail Damage Risk for Your Home +

Hail reports describe hail by diameter, often comparing stone size to familiar objects like peas, quarters, golf balls, and softballs. Use this guide as a starting point for possible hail damage to your roof, siding, gutters, vents, windows, and exterior. Actual hail damage depends on hail hardness, density, wind speed, impact angle, roof age, shingle condition, roof pitch, roofing material, installation quality, and prior storm damage.

Pea
0.25″
Low

Usually too small to cause hail damage to most sound asphalt roofs, siding, or gutters.

Mothball
0.50″
Sub-Severe Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but not always harmless. Repeated small hail can scuff surfaces, wear aging shingles, and loosen protective granules over time.

Penny
0.75″
Minor / Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but roof hail damage is still possible on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged shingles. May also mark screens, vents, gutters, and soft metal.

Nickel
0.88″
Minor / Watch

Still below the severe-hail threshold, but large enough to leave visible marks on soft metal and add wear to older or hail-weakened roof shingles.

Quarter
1.00″
Watch

The NWS severe-hail threshold. Quarter-size hail can bruise shingles, dent soft metal, and create roof hail damage worth checking.

Half Dollar
1.25″
Watch

More likely to dent gutters, vents, flashing, and siding. Hail damage risk rises quickly on older roofs or hail-weakened shingles.

Ping Pong / Walnut
1.50″
Likely

Hail damage becomes more likely, including bruised shingles, granule loss, dented siding, and damaged roof vents.

Golf Ball
1.75″
Likely

Often causes roof hail damage, cracked shingles, dented gutters, damaged flashing, and siding impacts. A roof inspection is recommended.

Hen Egg
2.00″
Serious

Can crack or puncture shingles, expose mat, dent siding, and cause widespread hail damage across the roof and exterior.

Tennis Ball
2.50″
Serious

Can cause heavy roof hail damage, punctured siding, broken skylights, damaged vents, and widespread exterior damage.

Baseball
2.75″
Major

Major hail damage is likely, including severe roof impacts, damaged siding, broken windows, and possible major roof repairs.

Tea Cup / Large Apple
3.00″
Major

Can cause heavy hail damage across the roof, siding, gutters, windows, and exterior. Significant repairs are often needed.

Softball
4.00″
Extreme

Destructive hail damage. Can severely damage roofing materials, siding, windows, gutters, vents, vehicles, and exterior surfaces.

Grapefruit
4.50″
Extreme

Catastrophic hail damage risk for roofs, windows, vehicles, siding, gutters, and exterior surfaces.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service hail size references are used for hail-size comparisons and the 1.00″ severe-hail threshold. Damage descriptions are general homeowner guidance, not official NOAA/NWS damage ratings. Sub-severe hail under 1.00″ is below the severe threshold, but that does not mean “no roof damage.” Penny- to nickel-size hail can still contribute to granule loss, cosmetic surface marks, and added wear, especially on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged roofs.

Latest NWS Wind Reports in and near ZIP 50309

33 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Sep 8, 2026
11:29 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Delayed report. Picture of large branches down. Relayed from broadcast media.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Sep 8, 2026
11:20 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Amateur radio report of trees down near Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Sep 8, 2026
11:18 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Relayed public image of a large oak tree significantly damaged by wind. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Jun 26, 2025
9:30 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Hardwood tree damage near Grays Lake. Delayed report via tv media. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WSW Des Moines, IA
60 mph
Apr 24, 2022
12:45 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: ALSO 1/2 INCH DIAMETER HAIL.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNW Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Aug 31, 2021
4:56 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 12 INCH DIAMETER TREE LIMB FELL ON A POWER LINE... WHICH CAUSED A HOUSE FIRE. MULTIPLE 5 TO 6 INCH DIAMETER BRANCHES DOWN IN THE AREA ALSO. TIME ESTIMATED.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ENE Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 29, 2018
11:26 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 4-6" TREE BRANCHES DOWN. (DELAYED REPORT).
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 29, 2018
10:37 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM DES MOINES. 4-6" TREE BRANCHES DOWN. REPORT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. CORRECTED FOR TIME.
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 28, 2018
10:06 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE SNAPPED AT TRUNK. NEAR DAVIS AND SOUTH UNION. VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 17, 2017
9:36 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DOZENS OF REPORTS OF WIRES DOWN... TREES DOWN... POWER OUTAGES DUE TO TRANSFORMER DAMAGE... AND MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES SUSPECTED TO BE STORM RELATED. METRO-WIDE REPORTS TOO NUMEROUS TO REPORT.
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines, IA
64 mph
Jun 17, 2014
12:26 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Eight inch tree limbs snapped. Several tree limbs larger than two inches broken.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.07 S Des Moines, IA
64 mph
Jun 17, 2014
12:20 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Thunderstorm winds blew down a large tree branch. A homeless individual died when a the branch fell on him at a homeless settlement along the banks of the Raccoon River east of Fluer Blvd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.9 SW Des Moines, IA
64 mph
Aug 8, 2012
3:02 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: .86 SW Des Moines, IA
58 mph
Jun 29, 2012
2:34 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Five inch diameter tree limb down at the intersection of 5th Ave and Watson Powell.
NWS Wind Report Location: .75 SSW Des Moines, IA
66 mph
Apr 14, 2012
7:02 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large trees down near 18th and Woodland in the Sherman Hoyt area. Significant tree damage.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.38 SW Des Moines, IA
Showing 15 of 33
Wind Damage Risk for Your Home +

Storm reports list thunderstorm wind gusts in mph. The NWS marks storms as severe at 58+ mph, but wind damage to your home depends on roof age, shingle condition, installation, exposure, nearby trees, and prior hail or wind damage.

Below Severe
Under 58 mph
Minor

Usually little damage to a sound roof, but loose shingles, flashing, or debris may shift.

Severe
58–74 mph
Watch

Can loosen shingles, lift flashing, break limbs, and damage gutters, siding, fences, or trim.

Damaging
75–90 mph
Serious

Can peel shingles, damage vents, tear siding, rip gutters, and expose weak roof areas.

Extreme
90+ mph
Major

Can cause major roof covering loss, tree damage, broken windows, and structural damage.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service storm reports. Gusts may be measured or estimated; actual wind damage varies by roof condition, exposure, and prior hail or wind damage.

Latest NWS Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 50309

1 reports
EF1 category
Oct 2, 2007
3:40 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 50309
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado took down power lines and power poles were snapped at 13th Street and Mulberry. The public reported a flipped car at SW 6th Street and Mulberry.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.34 SSW Des Moines, IA
Showing 1 of 1
Tornado Damage Risk for Your Home +

After a tornado, the National Weather Service assigns an EF rating from EF0 to EF5 based on surveyed damage. The rating estimates wind speed from what the tornado damaged, so actual damage can vary by construction quality, roof age, garage doors, windows, trees, debris, and how close the home was to the tornado path.

EF0
65–85 mph
Light

Can peel shingles, damage gutters or siding, break tree limbs, and toss loose outdoor items.

EF1
86–110 mph
Moderate

Can strip roof covering, damage exterior doors, break windows, snap trees, and cause heavier siding or gutter damage.

EF2
111–135 mph
Serious

Can tear off large sections of roofing, break or uproot trees, destroy weaker structures, and cause major exterior damage.

EF3–EF5
136+ mph
Severe

Can remove roofs and walls, destroy large portions of homes, toss vehicles, and cause severe to total destruction near the path.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service. EF ratings are assigned after a post-storm damage survey and are based on observed damage, not a direct measurement at every home.

NWS Hail, Wind and Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 50309 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 50309 area census snapshot

People & households
Population9,199
Households6,562
Housing units7,562
Income
Median household income$57,974
$100k+ households32.7%
$150k+ households12.5%
Housing stock
Single-family detached291
Attached single-family259
Small multifamily197
Large multifamily6,759
Mobile homes0
Housing mix
Single-family share3.9%
Attached-home share3.4%
Multifamily share92.0%
Mobile-home share--
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied769
Renter-occupied5,793
Vacant units1,000
Home value & age
Median home value$286,900
Owner homes $300k+46.7%
Owner homes $500k+16.1%
Owner homes $750k+--
Median year built1982
Older-home share48.2%
Vehicle context
Households with cars5,279
Free hail maps

This snapshot is for local area context only and describes the selected state, county, city, or ZIP area — not a specific home or property. For ZIP-level estimated hail impact, use Free Hail Maps to generate a hail report with key impact details for that ZIP.

Frequently asked questions

for homeowners, buyers & sellers
How many hail, wind, and tornado reports does ZIP 50309 have on record?

Our records show 16 hail, 33 wind, and 1 tornado reports in and near ZIP 50309, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on September 8, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 50309?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 50309 is 1.50″. It was reported near Des Moines, IA on April 17, 2026.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 50309 — does that mean my roof is damaged?

Not necessarily. A storm report only means hail, wind, or a tornado was observed nearby; it does not confirm damage at any specific address, and conditions change from block to block. Check an address-level hail report first, and if it looks significant, find a local pro that serves ZIP 50309 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 50309 — why should I look at its storm history?

Recent hail or wind can leave a roof or exterior with damage that is easy to miss during a walkthrough, and a recent roof replacement is sometimes an insurance job after a storm. Reviewing the storm history for a ZIP 50309 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 50309 — how does this help me?

Knowing the storm history for your address lets you answer buyer questions with confidence, document repairs you have already made, and decide whether a pre-listing roof check is worthwhile. A clear hail history removes a common sticking point during negotiations.

How do I check hail history for a specific ZIP 50309 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 50309 — no phone number or email required. It shows recent hail activity for that address so you know whether a closer roof or exterior review makes sense.

Where does this storm report data come from, and what are its limits?

Storm reports on this page are public reports from storm events in and around ZIP 50309, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 50309, but they do not confirm damage at any specific property. Report locations, sizes, and times may be approximate and can vary from what an individual home experienced. For property-specific hail history, use an address-level hail report or contact a participating local professional for a remote hail inspection. Pros inclusion is not an endorsement, and contacting a professional does not confirm damage at any property.

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