DES MOINES – The National Weather Service meteorologists will be conducting a storm survey over southeast Iowa today after severe thunderstorms produced damage in that area Sunday afternoon.
Observers and a trained weather spotters reported tornados on Sunday in towns southeast of Des Moines. An observer reported a “gustnado” at 3:12 pm just ahead of a more general storm arrival. Dirt kicked up in field prior to heavy rain.
Also Sunday, a tornado touchdown observed near Ottumwa. House roofs were torn off and trees snapped off. Major structural damage to at least one farmstead was reported. Roofs were blown off outbuildings. Roof damage to the house and the porch on the house was destroyed. Mmany 12-18 inch trees were snapped.
A total of at least 3 tornados were reported generally in southeast Iowa.
In a more widespread area, hail and strong winds along with heavy rain caused damage to structures and downed trees from the Fort Dodge area southeast through Knoxville and Ottumwa. Directly south of Des Moines, a car was struck by lightning on US 34 near Osceola. The trunk of the car caught on fire as a result; condition of car’s occupants was unknown.
