An unexpected batch of strong thunderstorms pushed through south central Iowa overnight. Many locations received heavy rain, and in some cases, up to several minutes of hail, including in the northern half of Pella. The storms were spotty in terms of precipitation, as some communities received closer to an inch, and some received close to none at all.

Local rainfall totals:
Pella (Cooperative Report to NWS) – .8″
Knoxville (KNIA/KRLS) – .41″
Lake Red Rock – .2″
Melcher-Dallas – .21″
Ackworth – .38″
Tracy (Des Moines River) – .53″
Bussey (Cedar Creek) – .59″

The rain comes as a needed shot-in-the-arm as abnormally dry conditions have settled in locally for most of south central Iowa in the latest few U.S. Drought Monitor reports. Dry, warm conditions are expected to continue well into October, according to the National Weather Service.