Very strong non-thunderstorm winds were seen across much of the state on the 20th. The general setup was ideal for strong winds with broad high pressure situated to the west, low pressure to the east/northeast, and a strong cold front moving through from north to south.
Every event with a place to put it; 5 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS DMX wrote it up.
Very strong non-thunderstorm winds were seen across much of the state on the 20th. The general setup was ideal for strong winds with broad high pressure situated to the west, low pressure to the east/northeast, and a strong cold front moving through from north to south. As a result of the tight surface pressure gradient, strong 850 mb winds, and subsidence with the cold air advection, wind gusts as high was 59 mph were recorded along with multiple reports of tree damage.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
5 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Mason City Municipal Airport ASOS recorded a 59 mph wind gust.
Mason City Municipal Airport recorded a 59 mph wind gust.
Public relayed pictures of tree branches down in town from the strong winds. Wind gust estimated.
Public relayed pictures of medium sized trees blown over, estimated around 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Wind gust is estimated.
Public relayed picture of a large tree limb down on their property. Wind gust is estimated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Iowa in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Iowa, October 2018
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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 787225, 787226, 787227, 787228, 787229.