High Wind in Iowa, April 6, 1997

Name: High Wind in Iowa, April 6, 1997
Start: 1997-04-06T09:00
End: 1997-04-06T18:00
Location: Iowa

April 6, 1997 · NWS DMX · 51 events in 51 counties and zones

The storm system that moved through Iowa the day before was located to the north of the state on the morning of the 6th. High winds developed in the wake of the deepening storm system.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 51 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $1.8 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 51

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS DMX wrote it up.

The storm system that moved through Iowa the day before was located to the north of the state on the morning of the 6th. High winds developed in the wake of the deepening storm system. Central pressure of the storm was below 975 mb at the time. Winds of 30 to 45 MPH overspread the state during the early morning hours and became gusty by mid day. Gusts were frequently above 55 MPH and in some cases over 60 MPH. The high winds persisted through much of the day. Damage was widespread around the state. There were numerous reports of damage to trees, powerlines, and out buildings. There were also a few reports of overturned high profile vehicles. Some of the higher gusts included a 62 MPH wind gust at Ottumwa, 61 MPH gust at Storm Lake, the National Weather Service Office in Johnston, Waterloo, and Oelwein, and numerous locations reporting gusts of 60 MPH. Unofficial reports placed winds of 65 to over 70 MPH over scattered areas of the state, especially over the east half. Most reporting stations in the state recorded winds of at least 55 MPH.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

51 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Butler

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Butler forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.732, -92.790 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Bremer

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Bremer forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.775, -92.318 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Sac

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Sac forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.386, -95.105 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Calhoun

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Calhoun forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.385, -94.640 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Webster

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Webster forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.428, -94.182 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Hamilton

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Hamilton forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.384, -93.707 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Hardin

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Hardin forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.384, -93.240 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Grundy

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Grundy forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.402, -92.791 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Black Hawk

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Black Hawk forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.470, -92.309 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Crawford

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Crawford forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.037, -95.382 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Carroll

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Carroll forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.036, -94.861 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Greene

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Greene forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.036, -94.397 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Boone

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Boone forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.037, -93.932 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Story

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Story forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.036, -93.465 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Marshall

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Marshall forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.036, -92.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Tama

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Tama forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.080, -92.532 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Audubon

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Audubon forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.685, -94.906 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Guthrie

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Guthrie forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.684, -94.501 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Dallas

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Dallas forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.685, -94.040 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Polk

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Polk forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.686, -93.573 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Jasper

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Jasper forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.686, -93.054 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Poweshiek

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Poweshiek forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.686, -92.531 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Cass

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Cass forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.332, -94.928 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Adair

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Adair forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.331, -94.471 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Madison

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Madison forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.331, -94.016 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Warren

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Warren forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.334, -93.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Emmet

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Emmet forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.378, -94.678 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Kossuth

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Kossuth forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.204, -94.207 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Winnebago

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Winnebago forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.378, -93.734 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Worth

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Worth forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.377, -93.261 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Palo Alto

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Palo Alto forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.082, -94.678 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Hancock

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Hancock forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.082, -93.734 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Cerro Gordo

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Cerro Gordo forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 43.082, -93.261 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Pocahontas

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Pocahontas forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.734, -94.679 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Humboldt

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Humboldt forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.777, -94.207 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Wright

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Wright forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.733, -93.735 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Franklin

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Franklin forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 42.733, -93.262 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Marion

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.334, -93.099 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Mahaska

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Mahaska forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.335, -92.641 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Adams

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Adams forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.029, -94.699 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Union

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Union forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.028, -94.242 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Clarke

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Clarke forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.029, -93.785 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Lucas

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Lucas forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.029, -93.328 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Monroe

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.030, -92.869 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Wapello

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Wapello forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 41.031, -92.409 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Taylor

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Taylor forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 40.737, -94.696 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Ringgold

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Ringgold forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 40.735, -94.244 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Decatur

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Decatur forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 40.738, -93.786 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Wayne

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Wayne forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 40.740, -93.327 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Appanoose

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Appanoose forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 40.743, -92.869 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Davis

When: April 6, 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Davis forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Property damage: $1.8 million
Coordinates: 40.748, -92.410 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Iowa in 1997 Every state in 1997 This day in weather history Warnings in Iowa, April 1997

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5595425, 5595426, 5595427, 5595428, 5595429, 5595430, 5595431, 5595432, 5595433, 5595434, 5595435, 5595436, 5595437, 5595438, 5595439, 5595440, 5595441, 5595442, 5595443, 5595444, 5595445, 5595446, 5595447, 5595448, 5595449, 5595450, 5596164, 5596165, 5596166, 5596167, 5596168, 5596169, 5596170, 5596171, 5596172, 5596173, 5596174, 5596175, 5596176, 5596177, and more.