Severe storms struck the KCII-listening area Tuesday morning. At 6:22 a.m. the National Weather Service issued the warning for Washington, Keokuk, Louisa, Jefferson, Johnson, Henry, and Iowa Counties. Hazards included strong winds with gusts up to 70 miles per hour. At 6:53 a.m. there was a wind gust of 58 miles per hour recorded near Ottumwa and at 7:44 a.m. there was a wind gust of 70 miles per hour near New London.

The storm also created the need for flash flood warnings in Johnson and Iowa Counties. Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen reminded people on their morning commutes that if they encounter a road with standing water that they should turn around, don’t drown.

The severe thunderstorm warning was initially expected to last until 7:30 a.m. but was extended to 8 a.m. Three members of the KCII Severe Weather Action Team brought you live coverage of the storms. And had the power gone out, KCII would stay on the air with our emergency back up generators.