How many tornadoes touched down in Iowa on Tuesday? NWS starts storm review
Victoria Reyna-RodriguezIowa saw multiple rounds of severe weather Tuesday, from thunderstorms to tornadoes.
A few severe thunderstorms in central Iowa also produced hail one to two inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
UPDATES:Iowa may have had 13 tornadoes on Tuesday. The strongest was an E2 that ran 40+ miles
How strong was the Dallas County tornado on Tuesday?
Rural central Iowa experienced one tornado in Dallas County.
A tornado touched down shortly after 11 a.m., tracking from south to north across the northern part of Dallas County, according to NWS. It was 7 miles long with a width of about 50 yards, NWS shared on social media Wednesday afternoon. Winds were estimated to be between 75 and 85 mph with an EF rating of 0.
The path of the tornado ran from northwest of Dallas Center to northeast of Minburn, It was on the ground for about 5 minutes.
A Dallas County Sheriff's Office employee told the Register on Tuesday that three agricultural buildings were severely damaged or destroyed due to the tornado. Other minor damage was reported in the area.
Were there other tornadoes in Iowa?
One tornado tracked through both Calhoun and Pocahontas counties in northwest Iowa, touching down shortly after 2:30 p.m. The tornado periodically lifted, NWS said, moving south to north.
Tornado ratings have not yet been determined by NWS, as officials await damage reviews.
Severe thunderstorms tracked across the Quad Cities, the NWS said, in two waves between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday.
NWS reported that there was damage from strong wind gusts, hail and at least one confirmed tornado, which happened near Mediapolis. Storm damage teams will assess the damage to determine ratings.
Emergency managers reported a tornado near Sioux Center, as well as two other reports near the area.
What assistance is available for Iowa tornado victims?
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that she issued a disaster proclimation for Allamakee, Cass, Des Moines, Fayette, Henry, and Lee counties in response to Tuesday's severe weather.
Residents in those counties will be eligible for the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, which offers grants up to $5,000 for households making up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Receipts are required to be reimbursed for expenses like home or car repairs, replacement of food or clothing or temporary shelter. Applications are available at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance.
Those facing serious needs can also utilize the Disaster Case Advocacy Program. An advocate will be assigned to victims to help create a recovery plan and offer referrals to other resources. Details are available at iowacommunityaction.org.
How windy was it Tuesday?
Most of the Iowa experienced excess winds of up to 40 mph. Wind gusts due to thunderstorms brought in winds of 50 to 60 mph.
The highest wind gusts were reported in Estherville, at 62 mph. The Des Moines International Airport experienced winds of 43 mph.
Are storms like this normal weather for this time of year?
Simply put, yes.
Allan Curtis, meteorologist at NWS Des Moines said this was a typical low-pressure spring storm system that neighboring states also experienced.
A low-pressure system will typically cause clouds, wind and storms, as they suck air into them, according to NOAA. A high-pressure system is constantly pushing air away, typically bringing clear blue skies.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.