Damaging Winds in Iowa, May 8, 2000

The seasons first round of summer type weather took place during the day of the 7th as southerly winds brought in moisture rich air into the region. Dew point temperatures were in the mid 60s to low 70s at the surface, while dew point temperatures at the 850 mb level climbed into the mid teens C. A strong cold front moved into the state during the night of the 7th and early morning of the 8th. A line of severe thunderstorms formed along the front to the west of Iowa. The storms weakened considerably as they moved east, however some of the storms along the line did remain severe. The main severe threat was high winds, since the freezing level was above 15,000 feet. There was some hail with the storms, however most of it was pea to marble size at most. The first report of high winds came from Palo Alto County as winds near 70 MPH roared through the Cylinder area. Damage was done to farm buildings and the lumber yard there with some pole buildings flattened. Another report of strong winds came out of Kossuth County. As the storms moved through at area, winds gusted to 67 MPH at the Algona Airport. Another area along the line that remained severe was over central Iowa. Wind damage was also reported in Emmet County at Estherville as the roof was partially taken off of a school building. Wind damage was reported in the Des Moines area as winds of around 60 MPH were recorded. As the storms moved east into Jasper County, winds toppled a tree onto a house northwest of Colfax. Some of the strongest winds took place in Poweshiek County. Winds estimated around 75 MPH blew into the Grinnell area. A student at Grinnell College received several cuts as a window was blown out. Shingles were blown off of several buildings on campus as well. There were also reports of damage as tree limbs were blown onto several cars in town.