Tornadoes and Hail in Iowa, November 11 to 12, 2015

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Iowa, November 11 to 12, 2015
Start: 2015-11-11T14:00
End: 2015-11-12T05:55
Location: Iowa

November 11 to 12, 2015 · NWS DMX · 59 events in 27 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 1
Property damage: $2.0 million
Crop damage: $1,000
Events: 59

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS DMX wrote it up.

Widespread wind and tornado damage occurred in central Iowa as a result of a low pressure system that raced across the state. Originally, the low pressure center developed in eastern/southeastern Colorado late Tuesday/early Wednesday and proceeded to quickly move east-northeast across Kansas before taking a more northeasterly turn as it approached southwest Iowa. Throughout the event, MUCAPE values were generally in the neighborhood of 500 J/kg. Shear values were supportive with 0-1km values and 0-6km values around 35kts and 85-90kts respectively. SRH values were also very supportive with 0-1km and 0-3km values around 350 m2/s2 and 500 m2/s2 respectively. With the speed of the system and the ample support, resulting storms were fast moving, in excess of 40mph, and of the low topped supercell variety before transitioning into a linear system as the event progressed.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Des Moines, IA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Nov 11, 12:16 PM CST, 1 hour 44 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 11, 12:16 PM CST, 1 hour 44 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
1216 PM CST WED NOV 11 2015

.SHORT TERM /TODAY/...
ISSUED AT 352 AM CST WED NOV 11 2015

TODAY WILL FEATURE DYNAMIC AND CHANGEABLE WEATHER WITH SEVERAL
POTENTIAL HAZARDS. A LARGE AND POWERFUL STORM SYSTEM CURRENTLY
TAKING SHAPE OVER THE COLORADO ROCKIES AND SOUTHWESTERN HIGH PLAINS
WILL EJECT EAST NORTHEASTWARD DURING THE DAY...DEEPENING RAPIDLY BY
THIS AFTERNOON WITH THE SURFACE LOW PRESSURE CENTER MOVING OVER IOWA
BY SUNSET. AHEAD OF THE SYSTEM...EARLY THIS MORNING...WE ARE ALREADY
SEEING RAPID PROLIFERATION OF LOW/MID CLOUDS ACROSS THE REGION AND
AN INVERTED TROUGH EXTENDING UP ACROSS WESTERN AND NORTHWESTERN
IOWA. SOME AREAS ALONG THIS TROUGH FROM EASTERN NEBRASKA INTO
WESTERN IOWA ARE REPORTING LIGHT FOG...BUT ITS DEVELOPMENT IS BEING
HAMPERED BY THE INCREASING CLOUD COVER. SOME HIGH RESOLUTION MODELS
ARE DEPICTING A BREAKOUT OF DENSE FOG WITHIN THE TROUGH
AXIS...MAINLY AFFECTING OUR WESTERN COUNTIES...LATER THIS MORNING
TOWARD SUNRISE. HOWEVER...THIS THREAT SEEMS MITIGATED BY THE
EXTENSIVE CLOUD COVER ANTICIPATED...AND NO ADVISORY IS BEING ISSUED.
WILL MAINTAIN A CLOSE WATCH ON OBSERVATIONAL TRENDS IN CASE ONE
BECOMES WARRANTED IN THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS.

LATER THIS MORNING...LIGHT RAIN/SHOWERS WILL PROBABLY DEVELOP ACROSS
THE FORECAST AREA WITHIN THE BROAD AREA OF WARM AIR/MOISTURE
ADVECTION AND INCREASING UPPER FORCING ON THE FORWARD FLANK OF THE
LOW. HOWEVER...COVERAGE OF RAIN REMAINS UNCERTAIN AND WHILE THE
SYNOPTIC MODELS ARE HANGING ONTO FAIRLY WIDESPREAD QPF...THE HIGH
RESOLUTION SHORT RANGE SOLUTIONS ARE MORE PESSIMISTIC AND DEPICTING
MORE LIKE DRIZZLE OR ISOLATED LIGHT SHOWERS. HAVE TRENDED POPS DOWN
SOMEWHAT IN THE MORNING BUT KEPT THEM LARGELY IN THE CHANCE TO
LIKELY RANGE...WITH OVERCAST SKIES PREVAILING PAST MIDDAY. IN ANY
EVENT NO REAL IMPACT IS FORESEEN FROM ANY PRECIP THROUGH THE MORNING
HOURS EVEN THOUGH A FEW THUNDERSTORMS MAY BECOME POSSIBLE IN THE
WEST TOWARD NOON.

IN TERMS OF HAZARDOUS WEATHER...THE PRIMARY FOCUS IS ON THE SEVERE
WEATHER POTENTIAL THIS AFTERNOON. IT APPEARS LIKELY THAT A
DRYLINE/PREFRONTAL TROUGH ROCKETING EASTWARD AHEAD OF THE LOW/COLD
FRONT WILL SWEEP ACROSS OUR SOUTHERN AREAS SOMETIME IN THE
AFTERNOON. AS IT DOES SO...WE SHOULD SEE RAPID CLEARING ALLOWING FOR
SOME MODEST DESTABILIZATION. WITHIN AN ENVIRONMENT OF VERY STRONG
FORCING AND WIND SHEAR/FLOW FIELDS THIS MAY BE SUFFICIENT FOR
DISCRETE THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT. HOWEVER...THERE IS UNCERTAINTY
REGARDING WHAT TIME CLEARING WILL OCCUR IN SOUTHWEST IOWA AND WHERE
ANY SUCH STORMS WILL INITIATE. HRRR/RAP/NMM/ARW RUNS CONSISTENTLY
BRING A SHARP CLEARING EDGE INTO OUR SOUTHWESTERN COUNTIES AROUND 20
OR 21Z WITH CONVECTION DEVELOPING RIGHT ALONG THAT EDGE. THIS IS
CONSISTENT WITH CONCEPTUAL MODELS AND SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY WAY THAT
SUCH DISCRETE CELLS COULD TAP INTO THE STRONGEST LOW LEVEL
SHEAR...AS BEHIND THE DRYLINE SURFACE WINDS WILL GO SOUTH SOUTHWEST
AND SHEAR WILL BECOME MORE UNIDIRECTIONAL. AT THE SAME TIME...IF THE
STORMS REALLY ARE TIED RIGHT ONTO THE BACK EDGE OF THE LARGE LOW
CLOUD SHIELD...THEN THERE MAY NOT BE TIME TO DESTABILIZE AHEAD OF
THEM AND THEY COULD BE ELEVATED. HRRR SURFACE CAPE FIELDS SEEM TO
INDICATE THIS WILL BE THE CASE. ALL IN ALL...INGREDIENTS ARE PRESENT
FOR SOME TORNADO POTENTIAL MAINLY IN SOUTHWESTERN AND SOUTHERN
IOWA...HOWEVER IT WILL BE A VERY NARROW WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IN
TIME AND SPACE AND THINGS WILL HAVE TO COME TOGETHER JUST RIGHT. WE
WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORING THIS POTENTIAL THROUGH THE DAY FOR
POSSIBLE WATCH/WARNING ISSUANCE DURING THE AFTERNOON.

FINALLY...AS AFTERNOON STORMS MOVE RAPIDLY EASTWARD AND THE LOW
PRESSURE CENTER TRACKS INTO IOWA TOWARD SUNSET...VERY STRONG WINDS
ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE SYSTEM WILL APPROACH OUR WESTERN COUNTIES
AROUND OR SHORTLY AFTER 00Z. THIS IS DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THE LONG
TERM SECTION BELOW...AND WIND ADVISORIES/WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT.

.LONG TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
ISSUED AT 352 AM CST WED NOV 11 2015

THE THUNDERSTORMS ACTIVITY WILL BE RACING QUICKLY EAST OF THE
FORECAST AREA TOWARD 00Z. THE PRIMARY FORECAST CONCERN OVERNIGHT
REMAINS HIGH WIND POTENTIAL ON AS THE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM DEPARTS
AND THE PRESSURE GRADIENT QUICKLY INCREASES AS STRONG PRESSURE
RISES LIFT INTO CENTRAL IOWA. THE PRESSURE GRADIENT OF 70-80
UBARS/KM STILL EXPECTED ALONG WITH PRESSURE RISES OF 12-15 MB/6
HRS. A STRATIFORM PRECIPITATION SHIELD WILL BE NEARLY COINCIDENT
TO THE REGION WITH MAX EXPECTED WINDS. WHILE STRONG COLD ADVECTION
WILL HELP MIX THE LOW LEVELS TO NEAR 900 MB WITH 50+ KTS OF WIND
IN THE MIXED LAYER...IT IS POSSIBLE THAT VERTICAL ASCENT BETWEEN
925-700 MB MAY LIMIT PEAK WINDS A BIT. THAT SAID...PLENTY OF
INGREDIENTS FAVORABLE FOR A HIGH WIND EVENT OVERNIGHT AND HAVE
EXPANDED THE HIGH WIND WARNING DOWN TO THE I-80 CORRIDOR FROM THE
DSM METRO AND WEST AND SUSPECT THE POSSIBILITY IT WILL NEED TO BE
EXPANDED FURTHER. SOME OF THE HIGH RES GUIDANCE SOLUTIONS ARE
SUGGESTING WIND GUSTS TO NEAR 65 MPH BY MID TO LATE EVENING WITH
SUSTAINED WINDS OF 35 TO 40 MPH. STILL POTENTIAL FOR THE
PRECIPITATION TO MIX WITH OR CHANGE OVER TO ALL SNOW LATE
TONIGHT OVER NORTHERN IOWA. LITTLE TO NO ACCUMULATIONS ARE
EXPECTED.

THE WINDY CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY AS DEEPER MIXING
OCCURS AND ANOTHER STRONG UPPER LEVEL SHORT WAVE APPROACHES FROM
THE NORTHEAST. THE SUBSIDENCE REGION OF THIS SHORT WAVE WILL
ARRIVE OVER CENTRAL IOWA BY MID TO LATE AFTERNOON. AT THIS
TIME...IT APPEARS THAT HIGH WIND CONDITIONS WILL NOT BE MET ON
THURSDAY THOUGH IT MAY BE CLOSE IN SOME AREAS. SUSTAINED WINDS OF
30 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 50 MPH ARE LIKELY THURSDAY.

VERY DRY DEWPOINTS ARRIVE THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY WITH A SFC
RIDGE PASSING ACROSS IOWA FRIDAY NIGHT. FRIDAY NIGHT WILL BE THE
BEST CHANCE FOR DES MOINES TO REACH FREEZING FOR THE FIRST TIME
THIS FALL PENDING THE TIMING OF RETURN FLOW DEVELOPING LATE THAT
NIGHT. WARM ADVECTION WILL BRING HIGHS BACK INTO THE 50S TO LOWER
60S FOR THE WEEKEND ALONG WITH DRY CONDITIONS. PRECIPITATION
CHANCES RETURN EARLY NEXT WEEK AS A WESTERN TROUGH BRINGS
SOUTHWEST FLOW BACK TO THE MIDWEST.

&&

.AVIATION...11/18Z
ISSUED AT 1216 PM CST WED NOV 11 2015

MAIN CONCERNS WILL BE CONVECTION AND WIND THROUGH THE PERIOD.
STRONGER STORMS BREAKING OUT OVER SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND MORE OVER
NORTHEAST KS ATTM. WILL BE SEEING THE STORMS FLARE RAPIDLY
NORTHEAST OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS...REACHING KDSM BETWEEN
20-21Z AT LATEST AND NEARING KOTM BY 23-00Z. WINDS STILL EXPECTED
TO REACH HIGH WIND CRITERIA OVER MUCH OF THE AREA...ESPECIALLY
NORTHWEST WITH GUSTS NEARING 45 TO NEAR 50 KTS ELSEWHERE. WINDS
SETTLE SLIGHTLY AFT 12Z THURSDAY...BUT STILL REMAIN STRONG WITH
GUSTS NEAR 45KTS. OTHERWISE...CIGS GRADUALLY LOWER TO IFR AFT 03Z
AS COLD AIR ARRIVES...THEN RISE TO VFR BETWEEN 13-15Z THURSDAY.
WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR FOR ANY TEMPO THUNDER WIND GUSTS AS
STORMS NEAR BOTH KDSM AND KOTM TODAY./REV

&&

.DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
HIGH WIND WARNING FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM CST THURSDAY
FOR ADAIR-AUDUBON-BOONE-CALHOUN-CARROLL-CASS-CERRO GORDO-
CRAWFORD-DALLAS-EMMET-FRANKLIN-GREENE-GUTHRIE-HAMILTON-HANCOCK-
HARDIN-HUMBOLDT-KOSSUTH-MADISON-PALO ALTO-POCAHONTAS-POLK-SAC-
STORY-WARREN-WEBSTER-WINNEBAGO-WORTH-WRIGHT.

WIND ADVISORY FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY FOR ADAIR-AUDUBON-
BOONE-CALHOUN-CARROLL-CASS-CERRO GORDO-CRAWFORD-DALLAS-EMMET-
FRANKLIN-GREENE-GUTHRIE-HAMILTON-HANCOCK-HARDIN-HUMBOLDT-KOSSUTH-
MADISON-PALO ALTO-POCAHONTAS-POLK-SAC-STORY-WARREN-WEBSTER-
WINNEBAGO-WORTH-WRIGHT.

WIND ADVISORY FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY FOR
ADAMS-APPANOOSE-BLACK HAWK-BREMER-BUTLER-CLARKE-DAVIS-DECATUR-
GRUNDY-JASPER-LUCAS-MAHASKA-MARION-MARSHALL-MONROE-POWESHIEK-
RINGGOLD-TAMA-TAYLOR-UNION-WAPELLO-WAYNE.

&&

SHORT TERM...LEE
LONG TERM...DONAVON
AVIATION...REV

Hazardous weather outlook, Nov 11, 11:43 AM CST, 2 hours 17 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
1143 AM CST WED NOV 11 2015

IAZ027-028-038-039-049-050-061-062-074-075-081>086-092>097-121745-
BUTLER-BREMER-GRUNDY-BLACK HAWK-MARSHALL-TAMA-JASPER-POWESHIEK-
MARION-MAHASKA-ADAMS-UNION-CLARKE-LUCAS-MONROE-WAPELLO-TAYLOR-
RINGGOLD-DECATUR-WAYNE-APPANOOSE-DAVIS-
1143 AM CST WED NOV 11 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL IOWA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

SCATTERED SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY THIS AFTERNOON ALONG
AND SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 20. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH
AND A FEW TORNADOES MAY OCCUR.

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA TONIGHT. PLEASE REFER
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES
FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA THURSDAY. PLEASE REFER
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES
FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED TODAY BETWEEN 2 PM AND 7
PM SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 20.

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>026-033>035-044-121745-
EMMET-KOSSUTH-WINNEBAGO-WORTH-PALO ALTO-HANCOCK-CERRO GORDO-
POCAHONTAS-HUMBOLDT-WRIGHT-FRANKLIN-SAC-CALHOUN-WEBSTER-CRAWFORD-
1143 AM CST WED NOV 11 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL IOWA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON...MAINLY
ALONG AND SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 20. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 60
MPH AND A FEW TORNADOES MAY OCCUR. QUARTER SIZED HAIL IS POSSIBLE.
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL MAY OCCUR AS WELL WITH AMOUNTS EXCEEDING 2
INCHES MAINLY NORTH OF HIGHWAY 20.

A HIGH WIND WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA TONIGHT. PLEASE
REFER TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT
WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA THURSDAY. PLEASE REFER
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES
FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON.

IAZ036-037-045>048-057>060-070>073-121745-
HAMILTON-HARDIN-CARROLL-GREENE-BOONE-STORY-AUDUBON-GUTHRIE-DALLAS-
POLK-CASS-ADAIR-MADISON-WARREN-
1143 AM CST WED NOV 11 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL IOWA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

SCATTERED SEVERE STORMS ARE LIKELY THIS AFTERNOON. DAMAGING WIND
GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH AND A FEW TORNADOES MAY OCCUR.

A HIGH WIND WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA. PLEASE REFER TO
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES FOR
FURTHER DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA THURSDAY. PLEASE REFER
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES
FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED TODAY BETWEEN 2 PM AND 7
PM.

REV

The radar

The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 133 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:00 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

34 thunderstorm wind, 21 tornado, 2 heavy rain, 1 funnel cloud, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Taylor

When: November 11, 2:00 PM CST to 2:10 PM CST
Where: Taylor County, 4 mi SE of Conway to 1.27 mi N of Clearfield
Rating: EF0
Path length: 8.42 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Continued into: Ringgold, Ia (DMX)
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.716, -94.558

This tornado crossed 3 counties in southern Iowa. This is segment number one in Taylor county. This long track tornado damaged a number of farmsteads along its 22 mile long path. The tornado was at its strongest in NW Ringgold County where EF-1 damage was found. The beginning and end sections of the track were narrow and intermittent. The narrow tornado also clipped the town of Clearfield to the NW early in its life. The tornado crossed into Ringgold county.

Funnel Cloud, Adams

When: November 11, 2:05 PM CST
Where: Adams County, 3.49 mi S of Mt Etna
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.070, -94.740

Public reported brief funnel cloud that came down and back up.

Tornado, Ringgold

When: November 11, 2:09 PM CST to 2:20 PM CST
Where: Ringgold County, 1.09 mi SSW of Delphos to 3.67 mi WSW of Tingley
Rating: EF1
Path length: 12.18 mi
Path width: 280 yd
Property damage: $125,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.656, -94.340

This fast-moving tornado cut a 12 mile path through central Ringgold County, producing high end EF-1 damage at its peak. The beginning of the track was characterized by weak and intermittent damage, with the tornado strengthening and widening once it got north of IA Highway 2. Six farmsteads were hit along its track.

Tornado, Ringgold

When: November 11, 2:10 PM CST to 2:17 PM CST
Where: Ringgold County, 1.27 mi N of Clearfield to 7.04 mi NW of Knowlton
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.34 mi
Path width: 450 yd
Continued into: Union, Ia (DMX)
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.818, -94.472

This tornado crossed through 3 counties in southern Iowa. This is the second segment in Ringgold county. This long track tornado damaged a number of farmsteads along its 22 mile long path. The tornado was at its strongest in NW Ringgold County where EF-1 damage was found. The beginning and end sections of the track were narrow and intermittent. The narrow tornado also clipped the town of Clearfield to the NW early in its life. The tornado crossed into Union county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adams

When: November 11, 2:15 PM CST
Where: Adams County, 1.25 mi WNW of Stringtown
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.980, -94.590

Trained spotter reported a semi blown over by high winds on Highway 34.

Tornado, Union

When: November 11, 2:17 PM CST to 2:25 PM CST
Where: Union County, 3.96 mi SSE of Kent to 2.2 mi SSE of Creston Arpt
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.04 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Property damage: $125,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.899, -94.415

This tornado crossed three counties in southern Iowa. This is segment three in Union county. This long track tornado damaged a number of farmsteads along its 22 mile long path. The tornado was at its strongest in NW Ringgold County where EF-1 damage was found. The beginning and end sections of the track were narrow and intermittent. The narrow tornado also clipped the town of Clearfield to the NW early in its life.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adair

When: November 11, 2:20 PM CST
Where: Adair County, 0.86 mi NE of Bridgewater
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 41.260, -94.670

Storm chaser reported a barn lost its roof 1 mile north of Bridgewater along Iowa Highway 92.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When: November 11, 2:30 PM CST
Where: Carroll County, 0.86 mi NE of Manning
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.910, -95.060

Trained spotter reported thunderstorm winds of approximately 60 mph.

Tornado, Carroll

When: November 11, 2:31 PM CST to 2:33 PM CST
Where: Carroll County, 3.11 mi ESE of Manning to 2.65 mi WSW of Templeton
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.49 mi
Path width: 40 yd
Crop damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.887, -95.012

Public report of tornado. Pictures taken by nearby residents indicated narrow path through cornfield.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ringgold

When: November 11, 2:33 PM CST
Where: Ringgold County, 1.57 mi E of Kellerton
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.700, -94.020

Emergency Manager reported a hole in a big barn on its west side and shingles missing off of a house, but no major structural damage. Primarily only loose items thrown around and some uprooted trees/branches. Time estimated from radar.

Tornado, Ringgold

When: November 11, 2:35 PM CST to 2:39 PM CST
Where: Ringgold County, 2.89 mi SSE of Beaconsfield to 2.28 mi SE of Beaconsfield
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.83 mi
Path width: 90 yd
Continued into: Decatur, Ia (DMX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.759, -94.037

Survey determined tornado started in rural areas of eastern Ringgold county and produced tree damage before leaving the county. Tornado moved into Decatur county.

Tornado, Decatur

When: November 11, 2:39 PM CST to 2:48 PM CST
Where: Decatur County, 4.39 mi SW of Grand River to 3.46 mi NE of Westerville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 9.34 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.780, -94.015

Tornado moved into Decatur county from Ringgold county. NWS storm survey then tracked the tornado across northwest Decatur county. A cattle lean-to was destroyed along with two other outbuildings damaged. There was extensive tree damage in a small area near the town of Grand River.

Hail, Guthrie

When: November 11, 2:44 PM CST
Where: Guthrie County, 1.03 mi E of Menlo
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.520, -94.400

Emergency Manager reported nickel sized hail.

Tornado, Madison

When: November 11, 2:49 PM CST to 2:58 PM CST
Where: Madison County, 1.6 mi WNW of Barney to 3.2 mi WNW of East Peru
Rating: EF0
Path length: 5.72 mi
Path width: 70 yd
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.179, -94.058

Storm survey concluded a small tornado occurred in many rural areas of Madison county. One small outbuilding was damaged with minor crop and tree damage.

Tornado, Madison

When: November 11, 2:51 PM CST to 3:02 PM CST
Where: Madison County, 4.59 mi SSE of Pitzer to 5.28 mi SE of Earlham
Rating: EF1
Path length: 10.07 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 41.311, -94.138

This fast moving tornado damaged at least one farmstead west of Winterset and was captured on video by a storm chaser.

Tornado, Madison

When: November 11, 2:56 PM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Madison County, 3.16 mi SW of Winterset to 0.35 mi SSE of Winterset
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.97 mi
Path width: 160 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.293, -94.056

Small metal building and scoreboard destroyed at high school athletic field. Path was mostly in rural areas south of Winterset.

Tornado, Wayne

When: November 11, 2:57 PM CST to 2:58 PM CST
Where: Wayne County, 1.15 mi NW of Sewal to 1.59 mi NNW of Sewal
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.6 mi
Path width: 15 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 40.644, -93.312

The brief, narrow tornado was recorded by multiple storm chasers.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: November 11, 2:57 PM CST
Where: Calhoun County, Lake City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 42.270, -94.730

Trained spotter reported high winds around 60 mph.

Tornado, Guthrie

When: November 11, 2:57 PM CST to 3:02 PM CST
Where: Guthrie County, 2.99 mi ESE of Fanslers to 4.36 mi ENE of Fanslers
Rating: EF0
Path length: 3.19 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.726, -94.422

Tornado developed over Lake Panorama and produced a pronounced but narrow path of damage to the northeast. Numerous trees were damaged with some minor house damage at residences on the north shore of Lake Panorama. Tornado then entered rural areas north of the lake producing minor tree and property damage before lifting. Tornado initially reported by Emergency Manager.

Tornado, Dallas

When: November 11, 2:59 PM CST to 3:13 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, 2.2 mi SSW of Kennedy to 2.73 mi S of Minburn
Rating: EF1
Path length: 11.28 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.593, -94.142

Damage to outbuildings and up to moderate tree damage. Damage initially reported by Emergency Manager.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wayne

When: November 11, 3:05 PM CST
Where: Wayne County, 0.69 mi S of Corydon
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 40.760, -93.320

Public reported a large pine tree snapped. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: November 11, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Madison County, 5.55 mi N of Bevington
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.450, -93.810

A garage was destroyed by strong thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dallas

When: November 11, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, 0.54 mi S of Adel
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.612, -94.020

A report of trees down near Adel.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When: November 11, 3:19 PM CST
Where: Warren County, 0.52 mi E of Cumming
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.480, -93.760

Public reported a small shed overturned.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wayne

When: November 11, 3:19 PM CST
Where: Wayne County, 2.76 mi S of Confidence
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.830, -93.130

Emergency Manager reported damage to Morton buildings.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When: November 11, 3:20 PM CST
Where: Warren County, 0.69 mi S of Indianola
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.360, -93.570

Trained spotter estimated winds of 60 to 70 mph.

Tornado, Appanoose

When: November 11, 3:22 PM CST to 3:28 PM CST
Where: Appanoose County, 3.63 mi WNW of Griffinsville to 3.28 mi WNW of Iconium
Rating: EF2
Path length: 4.91 mi
Path width: 180 yd
Continued into: Monroe, Ia (DMX)
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.843, -93.087

Storm survey team indicated start of the tornado occurred southwest of Rathbun reservoir in northwest Appanoose county. Tornado was strongest of the day producing damage to several farmsteads along its path. This tornado crossed into Monroe county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: November 11, 3:23 PM CST
Where: Calhoun County, 3.45 mi N of Rockwell City
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 42.450, -94.630

RWIS station along US 20 near Rockwell City recorded 51 knot wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When: November 11, 3:26 PM CST
Where: Warren County, 0.52 mi E of Cumming
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.480, -93.760

Public reported small outbuilding overturned.

Tornado, Polk

When: November 11, 3:27 PM CST to 3:31 PM CST
Where: Polk County, 0.85 mi SSW of (Dsm)des Moines Intl to 1.79 mi NE of (Dsm)des Moines Intl
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.59 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 41.518, -93.674

Tornado observed by official observer at the Des Moines airport. Tornado tracked across the airfield before entering a housing area north of the airport. Semi trailers were turned over at the airport with numerous large tree limbs downed in the neighborhoods north of the airport.

Tornado, Monroe

When: November 11, 3:28 PM CST to 3:38 PM CST
Where: Monroe County, 4.96 mi S of Melrose to 1.08 mi NNE of Tyrone
Rating: EF2
Path length: 8.12 mi
Path width: 190 yd
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.898, -93.028

Tornado moved from Appanoose into Monroe county. This was the strongest tornado of the day and produced extensive damage to several farmsteads.

Thunderstorm Wind, Polk

When: November 11, 3:31 PM CST
Where: Polk County, 1.73 mi SE of Lovington
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.630, -93.680

Law Enforcement reported trees down east of Merle Hay Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Polk

When: November 11, 3:32 PM CST
Where: Polk County, 1.7 mi WSW of Saydell
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.660, -93.650

Law Enforcement reported multiple large trees down at intersection of NW 55th St and NW Beaver Dr.

Thunderstorm Wind, Appanoose

When: November 11, 3:35 PM CST
Where: Appanoose County, Centerville
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.730, -92.870

Trained spotter reported numerous branches upwards of 6 inches in diameter down as well as a tree approximately 3 feet in diameter down. Time radar estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Polk

When: November 11, 3:37 PM CST
Where: Polk County, 1.65 mi SSW of Norwoodville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.628, -93.582

Trained spotter reported a sheet metal roof and trees damaged near Euclid and Delaware. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: November 11, 3:37 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 4.18 mi N of Columbia
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.240, -93.140

Law Enforcement reported a semi trailer truck flipped with injuries reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: November 11, 3:38 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 2.08 mi SW of Prairie City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 41.580, -93.260

Mesonet site measured 52 knot gusts near Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge.

Thunderstorm Wind, Polk

When: November 11, 3:41 PM CST
Where: Polk County, 0.51 mi E of Alleman
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.820, -93.610

Law Enforcement reported trees down.

Heavy Rain, Polk

When: November 11, 3:42 PM CST
Where: Polk County, 0.69 mi S of Altoona
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.640, -93.470

Public reported 0.75 inches of rain in 15 minutes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Boone

When: November 11, 3:42 PM CST
Where: Boone County, 1.47 mi NNW of Napier to 2.41 mi NE of Napier
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 42.000, -93.740

Boone County Emergency Manager reported a 3 mile stretch of damage from 1.5 W of Napier to 3 miles NE of Napier. Damaged included roof off old grain bin, damaged barn, and a one foot diameter pine tree down. All damage was in one direction. Time estimated from radar.

Tornado, Marion

When: November 11, 3:42 PM CST to 3:47 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 0.91 mi SW of Knoxville Arpt to 1.92 mi ENE of Knoxville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.38 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $350,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.290, -93.132

A high-end EF-1 tornado touched down southwest of Knoxville and traveled through the southeast side of town. Damage occurred along its path through town. One injury was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: November 11, 3:43 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 0.52 mi W of Prairie City
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.600, -93.240

Law Enforcement reported two roofs off of buildings near Casey's General Store.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When: November 11, 3:44 PM CST
Where: Monroe County, 1.04 mi W of Hocking
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.980, -92.840

Trained spotter reported wind gusts of approximately 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When: November 11, 3:44 PM CST to 3:47 PM CST
Where: Monroe County, 0.87 mi SE of Albia
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.020, -92.810

Trained spotter reported approximately 60 mph winds lasting for 3 minutes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Story

When: November 11, 3:49 PM CST
Where: Story County, 0.86 mi NW of Ames
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.040, -93.630

Public reported wind gusts of approximately 65 to 70 mph at Ames High School.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When: November 11, 3:50 PM CST
Where: Monroe County, 5.62 mi N of Avery
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.150, -92.750

Emergency Manager reported power poles and lines downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: November 11, 3:50 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, Newton
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.700, -93.050

Trained spotter reported estimated wind gusts of 65 mph. Damage included a flag ripped off the pole and the door of a business ripped open.

Thunderstorm Wind, Appanoose

When: November 11, 3:55 PM CST
Where: Appanoose County, 0.87 mi NW of Sharon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 40.740, -92.710

Public reported power poles leaning over along Highway 2 east of the Moulton turn off. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Davis

When: November 11, 4:13 PM CST
Where: Davis County, 0.87 mi NW of Floris
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.880, -92.330

Trained spotter reported broken windows and shingles blown off of roof. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wapello

When: November 11, 4:14 PM CST
Where: Wapello County, 0.69 mi N of (Otm)ottumwa Indstrl
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 41.110, -92.450

ASOS site measured wind gusts of 58 mph at Ottumwa Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wapello

When: November 11, 4:15 PM CST
Where: Wapello County, 1.04 mi W of Ottumwa
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.020, -92.420

Public reported multiple areas with power lines down. Photo posted on facebook.

Tornado, Marshall

When: November 11, 4:15 PM CST to 4:17 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.17 mi SW of Pickering to 0.65 mi W of Pickering
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.86 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.898, -92.861

Emergency Manager reported damage to several farmsteads with generally minor outbuilding and tree damage.

Tornado, Mahaska

When: November 11, 4:16 PM CST to 4:19 PM CST
Where: Mahaska County, 2.49 mi E of Rose Hill to 3.3 mi ENE of Rose Hill
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.69 mi
Path width: 130 yd
Continued into: Keokuk, Ia (DVN)
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.315, -92.422

Storm Survey team found damage on the county line between Mahaska and Keokuk county. Tornado started in rural areas of eastern Mahaska county with only minor damage before exiting into Keokuk county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wapello

When: November 11, 4:18 PM CST
Where: Wapello County, 0.69 mi N of (Otm)ottumwa Indstrl
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 41.110, -92.450

ASOS station at Ottumwa Industrial Airport reported 58 mph wind gusts.

Tornado, Mahaska

When: November 11, 4:20 PM CST to 4:28 PM CST
Where: Mahaska County, 3.97 mi WNW of Indianapolis to 0.74 mi NNE of Barnes City
Rating: EF2
Path length: 6.15 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Continued into: Poweshiek, Ia (DMX)
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.425, -92.499

Tornado started in rural Mahaska county south of Barnes City. Tornado damaged or destroyed several structures along its path. Also damaged several trees with branches and trunks snapped. In Barnes City, multiple outbuildings were slid off their foundation. The back end of one car was shifted by 2 ft. Tornado then moved into Poweshiek county before dissipating.

Tornado, Poweshiek

When: November 11, 4:28 PM CST to 4:29 PM CST
Where: Poweshiek County, 4.45 mi SE of Montezuma Sig Arpt to 4.29 mi WSW of Tilton
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.45 mi
Path width: 110 yd
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 41.509, -92.463

Storm moved into Poweshiek county from Mahaska county. After exiting Barnes City, the tornado continued into Poweshiek County, where it dissipated with little additional damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Black Hawk

When: November 11, 5:04 PM CST
Where: Black Hawk County, 1.23 mi NW of Cedar Falls Isley Ar
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 42.530, -92.540

KWWL reported a roof blown off of a hay barn, minor damage to the siding of a house, and minor roof damage to another building. Delayed report. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Black Hawk

When: November 11, 5:11 PM CST
Where: Black Hawk County, Gilbertville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 42.420, -92.220

Law Enforcement reported a large tree down in the 5200 block of Gilbertville Rd. Time estimated by radar.

Heavy Rain, Kossuth

When: November 11, 6:45 PM CST to November 12, 5:55 AM CST
Where: Kossuth County, 0.69 mi N of Algona Muni Arpt
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 43.080, -94.270

AWOS station in Algona reported heavy rainfall of 1.61 inches total.

What these are

Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Iowa in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Iowa, 2015 Warnings in Iowa, November 2015

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 602617, 604190, 602681, 602618, 604196, 602619, 604197, 604199, 609076, 604200, 609091, 609094, 604201, 609087, 602866, 609084, 602615, 604202, 609078, 609081, 604204, 609550, 609556, 604206, 604207, 604208, 609097, 604211, 604212, 609103, 609101, 604213, 604214, 604215, 604216, 604217, 604219, 604220, 604221, 604223, and more.