Tornadoes Confirmed, Guard Returns, Crash Injures Two: Des Moines Headlines

It has been a busy week across Des Moines and Iowa, with severe weather, emotional homecomings, and major moments on the court making news.

First Tornadoes of 2026 Confirmed

The National Weather Service confirmed that storms on March 10 produced Iowa’s first two tornadoes of 2026. Both were rated EF-1 and touched down in Lee County in southeast Iowa.

While the tornadoes were outside the metro, the same system brought strong winds and large hail across parts of central Iowa. No injuries were reported from the tornadoes, but officials continue reviewing storm reports from Tuesday’s severe weather.

National Guard Soldiers Welcomed Home

More than 500 Iowa National Guard soldiers returned home this week following deployment in the Middle East. A welcome home ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at the 132nd Air Wing at Des Moines International Airport.

The soldiers were part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, and had been deployed since May in support of operations in Iraq and Syria. Families gathered with signs, flags, and cheers as troops reunited with loved ones.

Serious Crash in Beaverdale

Two people were seriously injured in a head-on collision Tuesday morning in Des Moines’ Beaverdale neighborhood. The crash happened along Douglas Avenue between 34th and 36th streets.

Both drivers were taken to local hospitals. The roadway was temporarily closed while emergency crews responded and has since reopened. Police continue investigating the cause of the crash.

State Tournament Thriller in Des Moines

High school basketball fans at Wells Fargo Arena saw a dramatic double-overtime semifinal Wednesday night. ADM defeated Storm Lake 72-70 after a back-and-forth battle that stretched into two extra periods.

The matchup was part of the Class 3A state tournament hosted in Des Moines, drawing fans from across Iowa for one of the most exciting games of the week.

Sources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/nws-confirms-2-tornadoes-southeast-002415018.html
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/03/11/more-than-500-iowa-national-guard-soldiers-return-home-thursday-middle-east-deployment/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/serious-injuries-reported-beaverdale-head-162430179.html
https://www.ktiv.com/2026/03/12/tornadoes-go-two-overtimes-fall-adm-state-semifinals/