Hail and Damaging Winds in Iowa, July 25 to 26, 2000

Moist air moved into Iowa slowly over a period of a few days. During the previous several days the thunderstorm activity was to the northwest of Iowa. On the evening of the 25th, thunderstorms erupted over southeast South Dakota into Minnesota. They were set off in part by an approaching weak cold frontal system. The storms to the northwest of Iowa became severe and slipped into the state shortly before midnight. As they did, the storms produced gusty winds and hail. Winds were around 60 MPH in Pocahontas and Webster Counties for example. The winds downed trees and caused power outages. Many of the storms produced hail as they tracked southeast across the state as well. Numerous reports of hail from dime size to as large as golf ball size were received. Crop damage was widespread due to the hail. The severe thunderstorms weakened as sunrise approached. The period of weakening was short-lived however. After sunrise the cluster of storms intensified with the system becoming a hail producer. The largest hail fell in the Ames area with reports of hail up to four inches in diameter. The hail was oblong with the length around four inches and the width around 2 inches. Extensive damage resulted with car and roof damage in the city, and crop damage outside of the city. As the storms progressed east, reports of hail one inch in diameter to golf ball size were common. The hail caused crop damage in many areas. As the storms moved through the Newton area, lightning struck the Integrated Health Services building. The building security system was damaged and some minor damage was reported to the building. Damage estimates of damage were around $12,000.