High Wind in Iowa, April 5, 2000

A strong low pressure, an Alberta Clipper type system, moved across northern North Dakota into Upper Michigan during the day and evening of the 5th. As is typical of this type of system, strong southwest winds developed to the south of the low with even stronger west to northwest winds in the wake of the low. Temperatures warmed to record or near record highs in advance of the cold front that came down behind the low, with mid to upper 80s reported over central and southwest Iowa during the afteroon. A few locations over the far southwest topped out in the low 90s. Shenandoah for example was 93 at mid afteroon. A tight pressure gradient combined with a rapid pressure rise and cooling aloft in the wake of the cold front produced high winds in Iowa. Winds over the north two tiers of counties in the CWA increased to 35 to 45 MPH, with gusts in excess of 60 MPH reported in some areas. The highest wind gust reported came from Algona, in Kossuth County, where 63 MPH winds were recorded. Mason City and Estherville came in close behind with wind gusts of 62 and 60 MPH respectively. Most of the area north of U.S. Highway 20 had sustained winds of 40 MPH or higher for a few hours during the late afternoon hours. South of U.S. Highway 20, sustained winds were in the 25 to 35 MPH range with frequently gusts to around 50 MPH. The winds, combined with very dry conditions, caused blowing dust over all of Iowa. The blowing dust was most prevailent over the north third of the state, where visibilities were reduced to around a mile at times. Spotty damage was reported around the state. Most of the damage was limited to tree limbs and less secure items such as porch awnings. Another problem brought about by the high winds was fire. There were numerous reports of large grass fires around the state. One of the fires in central Iowa became serious as sparks touched off a housefire in Marshalltown. The flames engaged 4 homes quickly in the 40 plus MPH winds.