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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near West Des Moines, IA

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near West Des Moines, IA from June 12, 1976 through July 21, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 50261 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
45
Wind Reports
46
Tornado Reports
6
Max Hail Size
2.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  West Des Moines, IA · 1976–present Updated  Daily · last Jul 21, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near West Des Moines, IA

30 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Jul 21, 2026
2:07 AM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: West Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
May 19, 2025
9:32 PM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 S West Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Apr 5, 2023
1:57 AM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM MPING.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 S West Des Moines, IA
2.00″ hail
Aug 19, 2022
7:46 PM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: TWO INCH DIAMETER HAIL REPORTED NEAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. REPORT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N West Des Moines, IA
1.50″ hail
Aug 19, 2022
7:45 PM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: PING PONG BALL HAIL IN WEST DES MOINES. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. REPORT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA.
NWS Hail Report Location: West Des Moines, IA
2.00″ hail
Aug 19, 2022
7:45 PM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: EGG SIZED HAIL REPORTED IN WEST DES MOINES. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NE West Des Moines, IA
1.75″ hail
Aug 19, 2022
7:43 PM UTC
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: DIME UP TO GOLF-BALL SIZED HAIL.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N West Des Moines, IA
2.00″ hail
May 8, 2014
6:02 PM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .86 SW West Des Moines, IA
1.25″ hail
May 8, 2014
6:00 PM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Located at the southeast corner of 63rd and Grand.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.03 E West Des Moines, IA
1.00″ hail
Jun 9, 2011
6:24 AM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.24 SE Ashawa, IA
0.88″ hail
Jun 9, 2011
6:23 AM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 S Ashawa, IA
1.00″ hail
Mar 22, 2011
5:49 PM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.24 SE Ashawa, IA
0.88″ hail
Mar 21, 2011
10:50 AM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail fell at the intersection of I-35 and Grand Avenue.
NWS Hail Report Location: .83 NNW Commerce, IA
0.88″ hail
Feb 26, 2009
12:58 PM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail covered the ground at I-35 and Grand Ave.
NWS Hail Report Location: .86 NW Commerce, IA
1.00″ hail
Feb 26, 2009
12:38 PM CST-6
Hail report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.24 SE Ashawa, IA
Showing 15 of 30
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 West Des Moines, IA

30 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
May 24, 2024
9:55 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Delayed report of a tree down on a house. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNW West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 21, 2024
2:10 PM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Ash tree blown over across the street. Time estimated.
NWS Wind Report Location: West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Apr 23, 2022
12:05 PM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE SNAPPED NEAR RESTHAVEN CEMETERY. TIMING WAS ESTIMATED BY RADAR DATA. THIS WAS A DELAYED REPORT.
NWS Wind Report Location: Resthaven Cemetery, IA
UNK mph
Dec 16, 2021
12:12 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: WIND GUSTS 612 TO 625 PM ESTIMATED 60-70 MPH WITH LARGE BRANCHES DOWN... EXACT SIZE UNKNOWN.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2020
4:19 PM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE DOWN.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 ESE West Des Moines, IA
70 mph
Aug 10, 2020
3:47 PM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MILLS CIVIC AND I35; 70 MPH WINDS. SIGN AND TREE DAMAGE. WINDS OF 55 TO 70 LASTED NEARLY 20 MINUTES DURING THE SURGE.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WSW West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Jul 15, 2020
1:20 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE DAMAGED NEAR 22ND AND ASHWORTH.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Jul 15, 2020
12:10 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE DOWN IN ROAD. VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME ESTIMATED.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Jun 5, 2020
9:50 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE SNAPPED AT BASED. VIA WHO TV. TIME ESTIMATED.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NW West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Jun 5, 2020
9:42 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE... APPROX. 2 FEET IN DIAMETER AND 60 FEET TALL DOWN ON EDGE OF BIKE TRAIL IN POLK COUNTY WEST DES MOINES. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 W West Des Moines, IA
60 mph
Sep 10, 2019
12:50 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT OF ESTIMATED 60 MPH GUST.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WSW West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 17, 2017
9:28 PM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE DAMAGE 6 TO 12 INCH LIMB TORN OFF MAIN TRUNK.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WSW West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
May 17, 2017
9:14 PM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MULTIPLE TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN IN WEST DES MOINES ALONG ASHWORTH RD.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNW West Des Moines, IA
60 mph
Mar 8, 2017
1:03 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DIME SIZE HAIL.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE West Des Moines, IA
UNK mph
Aug 12, 2016
2:10 AM UTC
Wind report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE BLOWN ONTO ROOF OF TWO-STORY RESIDENCE. TIME AND LOCATION ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: West Des Moines, IA
Showing 15 of 30
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 West Des Moines, IA

6 reports
F1 category
Sep 6, 2001
2:34 PM CST
Tornado report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado touched down on southwest edge of West Des Moines at the Glen Oaks Golf Club and swept into an apartment complex. Track was intermittent following the destruction of a garage unit there.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 SW West Des Moines, IA
F0 category
Jul 24, 2001
3:36 PM CST
Tornado report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Brief touchdown in field south of town.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 S West Des Moines, IA
F2 category
Jun 29, 1986
10:35 PM CST
Tornado report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IA
F0 category
May 9, 1986
6:36 PM CST
Tornado report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IA
F0 category
Jun 11, 1984
6:50 PM CST
Tornado report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IA
F1 category
Jun 12, 1976
6:15 PM CST
Tornado report for West Des Moines, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IA
Showing 6 of 6
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 West Des Moines, IA on the Interactive Map

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Browse ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in West Des Moines

50261 31
West Des Moines, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50265 89
West Des Moines, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50266 42
West Des Moines, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50038 8
West Des Moines, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50061 34
West Des Moines, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50312 13
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50263 77
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50321 90
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50325 65
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50324 13
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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · City

West Des Moines, IA area census snapshot

People & households
Population69,893
Households31,825
Housing units33,605
Income
Median household income$84,925
$100k+ households41.6%
$150k+ households17.9%
Housing stock
Single-family detached15,063
Attached single-family3,987
Small multifamily3,529
Large multifamily10,723
Mobile homes303
Housing mix
Single-family share44.8%
Attached-home share11.9%
Multifamily share42.4%
Mobile-home share0.9%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied18,252
Renter-occupied13,573
Vacant units1,780
Home value & age
Median home value$286,300
Owner homes $300k+45.3%
Owner homes $500k+13.1%
Owner homes $750k+4.0%
Median year built1993
Older-home share26.6%
Vehicle context
Households with cars30,596
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 West Des Moines have on record?

Our records show 45 hail, 46 wind, and 6 tornado reports in and near West Des Moines, IA, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on July 21, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in West Des Moines?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near West Des Moines, IA is 2.75″. It was reported near West Des Moines, IA on June 12, 2001.

A storm report showed up near my home in West Des Moines — 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 West Des Moines and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in West Des Moines — 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 West Des Moines address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in West Des Moines — 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 West Des Moines address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in West Des Moines — 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 across West Des Moines, IA, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in West Des Moines, 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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