Alert archive / Iowa / Tornado Warnings in 2011

Tornado Warning 6, NWS Des Moines, IA

March 22, 2011Adair County, Madison County, Iowa

NWS Des Moines, IA issued this tornado warning at Mar 22, 2011, 5:44 PM CDT for Adair County, Madison County, Iowa. It was in force for 46 min. 12 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Mar 22, 2011, 5:44 PM CDT (22:44 UTC)
Expired
Mar 22, 2011, 6:30 PM CDT
In force
46 min
Issued by
NWS Des Moines, IA
Area
Storm-based polygon

Counties Adair County, IA, Madison County, IA

The radar

The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 64 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:47 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Mar 22, 5:44 PM CDTHAIL 1.756 W Greenfield, IA
Mar 22, 5:45 PM CDTTORNADOBridgewater, IATORNADO NEAR DELTA AVE AND HIGHWAY 92 ...
Mar 22, 5:49 PM CDTHAIL 1.75Bridgewater, IA
Mar 22, 5:50 PM CDTHAIL 11 Ne Bridgewater, IA
Mar 22, 5:58 PM CDTTORNADO3 Nw Greenfield, IA
Mar 22, 6:13 PM CDTHAIL 1.52 S Orient, IA
Mar 22, 6:15 PM CDTTORNADO 27 Wnw Winterset, IANWS STORM SURVEY TEAM RATED THIS TORNADO AN EF2 WITH PEAK WINDS OF 120 MPH. CONTINUOUS 11 MILE PATH. MOST DAMAGE WAS EF1 WITH ONE LOCALIZED EF2 DAMAGE. REFER TO THE NEWS STORY AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/DMX.
Mar 22, 6:23 PM CDTTORNADO7 Wnw Winterset, IATORNADO WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE TO AN OUTBUILDING.
Mar 22, 6:24 PM CDTTORNADO6 Nnw Winterset, IADAMAGE TO BUILDINGS. 20 INCH DIAMETER TREE SNAPPED OFF.
Mar 22, 6:28 PM CDTTORNADO6 N Winterset, IAOUTBUILDING DEBRIS AND TREE DAMAGE STREWN OVER HIGHWAY 169. REPORTED BY OFF DUTY NWS EMPLOYEE.
Mar 22, 6:30 PM CDTHAIL 1.75Greenfield, IAVEHICLE DAMAGE REPORTED.
Mar 22, 6:37 PM CDTTORNADO6 Sse De Soto, IADAMAGE TO A BUILDING. ROOF BLOWN OFF INTO THE FRONT YARD.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Mar 22, 2:03 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 12:00Z, 10.7 hours before the alert went out and 177 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Omaha, NE at 12:00Z on 2011-03-22Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 486 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Omaha, NE at 12:00Z on 2011-03-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 477 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
486 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-475 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
777 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
50 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
477 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
501 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

142 
WFUS53 KDMX 222244
TORDMX
IAC001-121-222330-
/O.NEW.KDMX.TO.W.0006.110322T2244Z-110322T2330Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
544 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
  ADAIR COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST IOWA...
  MADISON COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA...

* UNTIL 630 PM CDT

* AT 543 PM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
  SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS DANGEROUS
  STORM WAS LOCATED 8 MILES SOUTHWEST OF GREENFIELD...OR 15 MILES
  NORTHWEST OF CRESTON...AND MOVING EAST AT 50 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  GREENFIELD...WINTERSET...ORIENT...MACKSBURG...EAST PERU...TRURO...
  PATTERSON AND ST. CHARLES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IMMEDIATELY SEEK SHELTER IN A BASEMENT...
OR IN AN INTERIOR ROOM OF A REINFORCED BUILDING. STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE...IN A MOBILE HOME...OR IN A VEHICLE...SEEK
SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...FIND THE
LOWEST SPOT AVAILABLE AND COVER YOUR HEAD.

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS ALSO EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 
GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AND WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTIVE WINDS.

&&

LAT...LON 4117 9470 4123 9471 4136 9470 4151 9401
      4150 9393 4151 9381 4138 9380 4118 9380
      4116 9440
TIME...MOT...LOC 2244Z 257DEG 43KT 4122 9454

$$
4 follow-up statements
657 
WWUS53 KDMX 222250
SVSDMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
550 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

IAC001-121-222330-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0006.000000T0000Z-110322T2330Z/
ADAIR IA-MADISON IA-
550 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR MADISON AND ADAIR COUNTIES
UNTIL 630 PM CDT...

AT 547 PM CDT...EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED A POSSIBLE TORNADO. 
THIS TORNADO COULD BE RAIN-WRAPPED AND WAS LOCATED NEAR 
GREENFIELD...OR 16 MILES NORTHWEST OF CRESTON...MOVING EAST AT 50 
MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  WINTERSET...MACKSBURG...EAST PERU...TRURO...PATTERSON AND ST.
  CHARLES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IMMEDIATELY SEEK SHELTER IN A BASEMENT...
OR IN AN INTERIOR ROOM OF A REINFORCED BUILDING. STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE...IN A MOBILE HOME...OR IN A VEHICLE...SEEK
SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...FIND THE
LOWEST SPOT AVAILABLE AND COVER YOUR HEAD.

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS ALSO EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 
GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AND WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTIVE WINDS.

&&

LAT...LON 4117 9470 4123 9471 4136 9470 4151 9401
      4150 9393 4151 9381 4138 9380 4118 9380
      4116 9440
TIME...MOT...LOC 2250Z 254DEG 43KT 4127 9445

$$
898 
WWUS53 KDMX 222304
SVSDMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
604 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

IAC001-121-222330-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0006.000000T0000Z-110322T2330Z/
ADAIR IA-MADISON IA-
604 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR MADISON AND EASTERN ADAIR
COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM CDT...

AT 601 PM CDT...THE GREENFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED A TORNADO.  
THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED 8 MILES EAST OF GREENFIELD...OR 16 MILES 
NORTH OF CRESTON...MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  WINTERSET...MACKSBURG...EAST PERU...PATTERSON...ST. CHARLES AND
  TRURO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS ALSO EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 
GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AND WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTIVE WINDS.

&&

LAT...LON 4116 9456 4139 9457 4151 9403 4150 9391
      4151 9381 4118 9380 4116 9440
TIME...MOT...LOC 2303Z 255DEG 38KT 4130 9429

$$

DONAVON
546 
WWUS53 KDMX 222319
SVSDMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
619 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

IAC001-222330-
/O.CAN.KDMX.TO.W.0006.000000T0000Z-110322T2330Z/
ADAIR IA-
619 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EASTERN ADAIR COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

THE STORM WHICH PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS MOVED OUT OF THE WARNED 
AREA.

LAT...LON 4146 9425 4151 9405 4151 9398 4150 9392
      4151 9381 4118 9380 4117 9425
TIME...MOT...LOC 2320Z 246DEG 38KT 4139 9407

$$

IAC121-222330-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0006.000000T0000Z-110322T2330Z/
MADISON IA-
619 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR MADISON COUNTY UNTIL 630
PM CDT...

AT 614 PM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO.  THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED 7 MILES WEST OF WINTERSET...OR 24 MILES NORTHEAST
OF CRESTON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  WINTERSET...EAST PERU...TRURO AND PATTERSON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IMMEDIATELY SEEK SHELTER IN A BASEMENT...
OR IN AN INTERIOR ROOM OF A REINFORCED BUILDING. STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE...IN A MOBILE HOME...OR IN A VEHICLE...SEEK
SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...FIND THE
LOWEST SPOT AVAILABLE AND COVER YOUR HEAD.

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS ALSO EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 
GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AND WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTIVE WINDS.

&&

LAT...LON 4146 9425 4151 9405 4151 9398 4150 9392
      4151 9381 4118 9380 4117 9425
TIME...MOT...LOC 2320Z 246DEG 38KT 4139 9407

$$

DONAVON
329 
WWUS53 KDMX 222322
SVSDMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
622 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

IAC121-222330-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0006.000000T0000Z-110322T2330Z/
MADISON IA-
622 PM CDT TUE MAR 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR MADISON COUNTY UNTIL 630
PM CDT...

AT 619 PM CDT...EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED A TORNADO.  THIS
TORNADO WAS LOCATED 7 MILES NORTHWEST OF WINTERSET...OR 25 MILES
NORTHEAST OF CRESTON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  WINTERSET...EARLHAM...EAST PERU...PATTERSON...ST. CHARLES AND
  TRURO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IMMEDIATELY SEEK SHELTER IN A BASEMENT...
OR IN AN INTERIOR ROOM OF A REINFORCED BUILDING. STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE...IN A MOBILE HOME...OR IN A VEHICLE...SEEK
SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...FIND THE
LOWEST SPOT AVAILABLE AND COVER YOUR HEAD.

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS ALSO EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 
GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AND WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTIVE WINDS.

&&

LAT...LON 4146 9425 4151 9405 4151 9398 4150 9392
      4151 9381 4118 9380 4117 9425
TIME...MOT...LOC 2322Z 242DEG 29KT 4140 9412

$$

DONAVON

The office that day

Everything else NWS Des Moines, IA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 22, 6:30 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDMXBlack Hawk, Bremer, Butler4 days
Mar 22, 10:52 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDMXPalo Alto16 days
Mar 22, 10:52 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDMXHumboldt25 days
Mar 22, 4:34 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXHancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Wright13 min
Mar 22, 4:55 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXCarroll, Crawford35 min
Mar 22, 5:02 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXAdair, Adams, Cass43 min
Mar 22, 5:07 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXAudubon, Cass, Guthrie23 min
Mar 22, 5:18 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXAudubon, Cass, Guthrie27 min
Mar 22, 5:27 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXAudubon, Carroll, Greene33 min
Mar 22, 5:29 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXCrawford35 min
Mar 22, 5:43 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXAudubon, Cass, Greene, Guthrie15 min
Mar 22, 5:47 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXAdams, Ringgold, Taylor, Union43 min
Mar 22, 6:16 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXDallas, Madison, Polk44 min
Mar 22, 6:26 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXDallas, Madison, Polk, Warren49 min
Mar 22, 6:27 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXAdair, Clarke, Madison, Union, Warren39 min
Mar 22, 6:32 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXCerro Gordo, Hancock, Worth, Wright28 min
Mar 22, 6:45 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXClarke, Decatur, Ringgold30 min
Mar 22, 6:50 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXAdair, Dallas, Madison25 min
Mar 22, 6:57 PM CDTTornado WarningDMXAdair, Madison, Union33 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Iowa, 2011Every tornado warning in 2011Tornadoes in 2011

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.