Damaging Winds in Iowa, November 1, 2000

A very strong storm system moved northeast out of the southern Rockies into the Northern Plains. Very moist air was drawn north ahead of the system with surface dew point temperatures in the low to mid 60s. Moisture was quite deep for November with 850 mb dew points in the low to mid teens F. During the afternoon hours, a jet streak of over 100 kts lifted north ahead of the upper level trough of low pressure. Thunderstorms erupted in the moist axis ahead of the dry slot that had developed under the upper level jet. Most of the thunderstorms produced gusty winds and heavy rainfall, though most of the winds were just below severe levels. Small bow echo signatures were evident on the WSR-88D. High winds were reported in a few locations with damage to some buildings and trees. A car port was blown down in Jasper County by the winds during one of the early afternoon storms. By the mid afternoon, another line of thunderstorms developed. High winds tore the roof off of at least one barn north of Montezuma. Damage was reported to several other barns and outbuildings in the area. Trees and numerous limbs were taken down in the town of Brooklyn in Poweshiek County as well. Fortunately, it was late enough in the season that most of the trees had shed their leaves. This minimized the wind damage to a great extent.