Multiple rare October tornado warnings were issued in south central Iowa has several rounds of thunderstorms brought heavy rain to south central Iowa.

The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team was on the air on three different occasions — including twice for tornado warnings primarily impacting Marion and Mahaska Counties. Weatherology meteorologists and trained weather spotters contributed live on-air reports and updates. While no damage reports were received by the National Weather Service, the radar-indicated rotation prompted sirens in many local communities.

Even as the severe weather was more spotty, several rounds of rainfall brought a much-needed boost to the region as drought continues to spread. Rainfall totals:

Lake Red Rock – 2.45
Knoxville – 2.31
Pella – 2.11
West of Pella – 2.75
Indianola – 2.03
Newton – 2.37
Ackworth – 1.36
Cedar Creek/Bussey – 1.94
Des Moines River/Tracy – 1.78
Whitebreast near Melcher-Dallas – 2.04

Mild conditions will settle into the region today through most of Saturday before an active pattern of rain showers returns overnight Saturday through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.