Hail and Damaging Winds in Iowa, February 25, 2000

The seasons first severe weather outbreak took place during the early evening of the 25th. A strong storm system lifted out of the southern Rockies into the upper midwest. Low level winds were in the 45 to 60 knot range, drawing moisture north from the Gulf of Mexico. Surface dew point temperatures soared into the mid 50s across Iowa in advance of an approaching dry line. CAPE values were in the 1000 to 1500 J/kg range. The dry line entered southwest Iowa during the late afternoon. Des points fell into the low to mid 30s behind the dry line. A narrow line of thunderstorms erupted just ahead of the dry line. For the most part, they were not severe, but many did produce pea to marble size hail. A few reports of hail up to an inch in diameter were received from Greene and Hamilton Counties. As the line moved northeast, a microburst occurred over northeast Madison County. High winds struck northeast of Winterset. Reports indicate there was no rotation in the damage, however one house was completely destroyed and three other houses in the area sustained damage. In addition, two out buildings were damaged in the area. The roof of the house was lifted off and carried 100 meters downstream to the northeast of the house. A grove of pine trees was also flattened in the area. Reports from law enforcement indicate there was no rotation visible and all dibris was blown toward the northeast. Later in the evening, another line of thunderstorms formed over northern Missouri. This line moved into south central and southeast Iowa by mid evening. As the storms moved through Monroe County, another microburst took place near Lovilia. A pole barn was destroyed by that microburst.