Flash Flood and Damaging Winds in Iowa, August 20, 2000

A large complex of thunderstorms formed over northeast Kansas and advanced east into northwest and northern Missouri during the early morning hours. These storms formed at the intersection of a strong low level jet and a stationary frontal boundary. Most of the storms remained south of Iowa. After midnight, thunderstorms began developing on the northwest edge of the thunderstorm complex. for the most part, these storms produced heavy rainfall. Official observations indicated anywhere between four and six inches of rain fell over the southern part of Taylor County in a two to three hour period. The heavy rain caused widespread lowland flooding and also overtopped some of the county roads. A small area of thunderstorms did become severe. In what looked to be a downburst wind event, high winds knocked down trees in several locations. On one farm, feed bins were tipped over with some damage to the barns. Another farm reported the doors ripped off of the barn and several outbuildings blown out across the field.