Update (4:03 p.m., 5/24/11):

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has allowed the severe thunderstorm warning to expire, and has replaced it with a severe weather statement. 

The statement indicated that the storms moving through the area have weakened and “no longer pose an imediate threat to life or property.”

Update (3:50 p.m., 5/24/11):

The National Weather Service has dropped north central Polk County from the severe thunderstorm warning. It remains in effect for northeastern Story and Boone Counties until 4 p.m.

According to the alert, “at 3:41 p.m. National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms capablae of producing damaging winds in ecess of 60 mph. These storms were located along a line extending from 7 miles northeast of Boone to Navada to 10 miles southeast of Nevada moving at 30 mph.”

Areas between mile markers 108 and 126 on Interstate 35 are including in the warning.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issues a severe thunderstorm warning for Story County, eastern Boone County and north central Polk County until 4 p.m.

According to the alert, at 3:23 p.m. weather spotters reported severe thunderstorms producing winds in excess of 60 mph. “These storms were located along a line extending from Boone to Huxley to 7 miles north of Bondurant, and moving northeast at 30 mph.”

The alert includes areas along Interstate 35 between mile markers 97 and 126.

The National Weather Service warns to be prepared for damaging winds, falling trees and flying debris. It recommends moving infoors and staying away from windows. It also suggests people in mobile homes should seek shelter in a reinforced building.

The Iowa State Daily will monitor the situation and post updates as they become available.