Tornadoes and Hail in Iowa, December 15 to 16, 2021

First tornado in the Des Moines forecast area for this record breaking event. This tornado remained in rural Crawford county with no reported damage. Tornado was determined by Correlation Coefficient depression on WSR-88D radar from KOAX.

Tornado developed northwest of Lewis and moved rapidly to the northeast. Damage occurred to several houses and trees along the path with mostly EF0 and EF1 ratings. Three high voltage steel towers were toppled providing the EF2 rating for this tornado. The tornado crossed Interstate 80 near milepost 59 blowing several semi onto their sides. The path was also observed in high resolution satellite imagery. This tornado then crossed into Audubon county.

This tornado continued into Audubon county from Cass county. The tornado remains in rural portions of southern and central Audubon county. Most damage was to farm outbuildings, trees and power poles with EF1 the highest damage rating observed.

Tornado developed northeast of Atlantic and crossed Interstate 80 flipping a semi on its side. Tree damage was also noted near this location before crossing into Audubon county.

Tornado moved into Audubon county from Cass county. This tornado remained on the ground in rural areas of southeastern Audubon county. Damage was primarily to trees with one garage being destroyed east of Exira producing an EF1 rating.

Tornado developed in west central Guthrie county and moved quickly northeast through rural portions of the county. Two farm buildings were destroyed along State Highway 44 with additional outbuilding and house damage to the northeast with most ratings of EF1. The tornado dissipated northeast of the hamlet of Wichita.

A personal weather station reported a gust of 88 MPH.

A personal weather station recorded a 76 MPH wind gust.

Tornado developed in far northwest Carroll county west of Breda. The path was observed in high resolution satellite imagery. No damage was reported in Carroll county, hence the EFU rating. This tornado continued into Sac county.

This tornado developed in west central Guthrie county to the west southwest of Wichita. The tornado moved northeast producing EF0 and EF1 damage to trees and outbuildings in rural portions of northwest Guthrie County. The storm passed along the southeast edge of Bayard taking a roof off a house and demolishing a garage on another house. This damage was rated EF2. The tornado exited the county shortly thereafter into Greene County.

This tornado move into Sac county from Carroll county. This tornado passed just on the southeast side of the hamlet of Carnarvon with EF1 damage from a destroyed outbuilding. The tornado continued northeast through rural south and east Sac county producing EF0 to EF1 damage to outbuildings and trees. EF2 damage was observed when power poles were snapped along 310th street east of Union Avenue. The tornado eventually lifted to the southwest of Lytton.

Emergency manager reports 80 plus mph winds and zero visibility south of Adair.

Emergency manager reports half inch hail and estimated 65 mph wind at highway 44 and Frontier road.

Damage was obtained via social media. The track was also observed near the Carroll Airport from high resolution satellite imagery. There was damage to a home and outbuildings with up to EF1 damage.

The tornado touched down north of Guthrie Center and promptly destroyed an outbuilding along State Highway 25. The tornado continued northeast through wooded areas west of Springbrook State Park with some tree and minor house damage. The tornado then emerged into more open cropland producing damage to a hog confinement and snapping large utility poles along 120th Street west of Quail Road. The circulation passed west of Bagley and tipped over a semi on State Highway 141 and continued northeast before moving out of the county into Greene County.

This tornado moved from Guthrie into Greene County. The tornado destroyed several grain bins shortly after entering the county and then snapped several large power poles along 330th Street between F and G Avenues. The tornado continued northeast producing sporadic damage in rural southern Greene County before dissipating north of 300th Street between H and I Avenues.

Tornado continued into Greene County from Guthrie County. The path through Greene County was long but remained in rural portions of the county. Damage to rural outbuildings occurred in southern Greene county with more intense damage south of Jefferson. Utility poles were snapped along 280th Street near where N Avenue intersects the road. The tornado then impacted a farmstead on the west side of Highway 4 destroying several outbuildings and producing minor damage to the home. The tornado proceeded northeast crossing US Highway 30 east of Jefferson and then continued in rural areas before lifting north of Dana.

Tornado developed east southeast of Bagley and did no damage until near the county line where an aging power pole was snapped. The tornado path was also visible in high resolution satellite imagery. The tornado moved into Greene County.

A personal weather station recorded a wind gust of 73 MPH.

Tornado moved into Greene County from Guthrie County. This tornado produced damage through rural south and east portions of the county. The tornado passed just southeast of the hamlet of Cooper and through Grand Junction. Most of the damage was EF0 to EF1 with tree and minor house damage. However, the tornado strengthened north of Grand Junction with power pole damage and then toppling an industrial wind mill along W Avenue with an EF2 rating at that location. The circulation then destroyed a confinement building before dissipating several miles northeast of Dana.

This tornado occurred southwest of Jefferson and remained in rural Greene County during its entire path. The tornado damaged a confinement building and farther northeast destroyed an outbuilding. However, the most intense damage was a series of high voltage utility dual pole towers which were snapped by the tornado. At least 8 towers were snapped over J Avenue between 250th and 260th Streets. Additional utility poles were snapped along 250th Street as well. The tornado lifted in the vicinity of an apple orchard located southwest of Jefferson.

Wind estimates of at least 70 mph from Ralston Fire Dept. Sporadic damage reported.

Another QLCS tornado which began west southwest of Jefferson and ended to the northwest of town. This tornado began in rural areas but toppled several large single pole utility poles along I Avenue south of 250th Street and moved northeast with tree and minor house damage on 240th Street near the intersection with K Avenue. The tornado ended up crossing US Highway 30 about 1.5 miles west of the intersection with State Highway 4 and severely leaned high voltage poles along the highway. The tornado dissipated not long afterwards near M Avenue north of Highway 30.

Public report of an outbuilding destroyed.

This was a relatively brief tornado but none the less strong as it snapped power poles along I Avenue south of 180th Street to the northwest of Farlin. Otherwise, the tornado remained in rural areas of Greene County with no other reports of damage.

This tornado was found via high resolution satellite imagery. The short path did intersect a few places but no damage was discernable from the imagery, therefore an EFU rating.

This path was found via storm survey and extended using high resolution satellite imagery. The storm started south southwest of Lohrville and passed just west of town producing mainly tree damage and some minor house damage. The path continue northeast through eastern Calhoun county with additional damage to trees and outbuildings with path clearly evident in satellite imagery. The tornado passed the east side of Knierim and dissipated not long afterwards.

Outbuilding destroyed at the 240th St. and Timber Ave. intersection. Building size unknown.

This tornado traveled through three counties and initially touched down in Greene county to the east northeast of Grand Junction. This tornado remained in rural areas of Greene county with no damage reports received. The tornado path was observed using high resolution satellite imagery as well. The tornado moved into Boone County between 190th and 180th Streets.

A personal weather station recorded a wind gust of 62 MPH.

This tornado had a path in both Calhoun and Webster Counties. The path started west northwest of Farnhamville with the tornado heading north northeast passing on the east side of Somers. There was EF2 damage observed to the east southeast of Rinard where large utility poles were snapped. Additional tree and barn damage was observed south of Somers. The path continued top the northeast before exiting the county into Webster County just south of US Highway 20.

Path of damage began a couple miles northeast of Ayrshire and moved north northeast, dissipating to the southeast of Graettinger. Along the path, several trees were damage along with a roof off of an outbuilding along with power pole damage.

Wind gusts of 60-70 MPH from amateur radio operators in Minburn.

Wind gusts of 60 TO 70 MPH from amateur radio operators in Perry.

This tornado entered Boone County from Greene County. This tornado moved quickly northeast through the northwest corner of Boone County passing just south and east of Boxholm. Damage was relatively limited along the both but there was some impressive tree damage south of Boxholm where the EF1 damage was observed. The tornado moved into Webster County to the northeast of Boxholm.

This tornado moved through both Greene and Webster Counties. The tornado developed southwest of Paton in Greene County and blew apart an old shed. It continued to strengthen and snapped several large utility poles along 110th Street west of U Avenue. The tornado then exited the county into Webster County north of Paton.

This tornado was discovered using high resolution satellite imagery combined with radar data. There was no damaged observed with this tornado, hence the EFU rating.

Estimated gust of 75 MPH.

Law enforcement reported hog building completely destroyed.

Law enforcement reported damage to outbuilding and trees uprooted. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado moved into Webster County from Greene County. The tornado entered the county southwest of Lanyon and passed just west of Harcourt continuing northeast before dissipating between Lehigh and Otho. This tornado snapped several large utility poles on its path across the county along with destroying a few outbuildings.

This tornado moved into Webster County from Boone County. It remained in rural areas of southeast Webster County producing tree and utility pole damage. EF2 damage was incurred to the southeast of Dayton along State Highway 175 where 8 utility poles were snapped. The tornado then moved into the Des Moines River east of Dayton valley where it dissipated.

This tornado continued into Webster County from Calhoun County. This tornado entered the county near US Highway 20 and continued northeast through the east side of Barnum. Most minor damage to houses occurred along with tree damage. The tornado dissipated to the northeast of Barnum near Lizard Creek.

This tornado passed through three counties including Boone, Webster and Hamilton. The tornado touched down south of Pilot Mound in Boone County with this portion of the path documented via high resolution satellite imagery. However, there was observed damage just before crossing into Webster county with damage to an outbuilding along 105th Street. The tornado then exited into Webster County.

Emergency manager reports 80 MPH winds at highway 169 and highway 44.

This tornado moved through both Pocahontas and Humboldt Counties. Tornado path found via high resolution satellite imagery and radar data. No damage was reported, hence the EFU rating. The tornado passed just west and north of Gilmore City, entering into Humboldt County north of Gilmore City.

Metal roof peeled off on the TEK Builders building in Mount Ayr. This is a delayed report, time estimated from radar.

This portion of the path just clipped the far southeast corner of Webster county without producing any damage, hence the EFU rating. The tornado moved from Boone County into Webster County, then from Webster County into Hamilton County.

This tornado entered Hamilton County from Webster County. The tornado produced damage to multiple large utility poles along several county roads to the south and east of Stratford. The tornado finally lifted northwest of Stanhope as it approached the Boone River valley.

This tornado entered Humboldt County from Pocahontas County. This path was observed via high resolution satellite imagery in collaboration with radar data. No damage was reported, hence the EFU designation.

This tornado travelled through both Webster and Hamilton Counties. This short section in Webster County produced no reportable damage but was observed via high resolution satellite imagery. The tornado moved into Hamilton County south of Stratford.

This tornado entered Hamilton County from Webster County just south of Stratford and passed just south and east of town. This produced tree damage and completely destroyed an outbuilding northeast of town. The tornado continued to produce damage northeast of Stratford to outbuildings and trees before entering the Boone River valley and dissipating south several miles south of Webster City.

Emergency manager reported a tree down on a powerline and house. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado started a few miles northwest of Rutland and moved northeast through rural portions of Humboldt County. The tornado snapped several large utility poles along Iowa Avenue south of Bode before lifting.

This tornado started on the east side of the Des Moines River valley southwest of Duncombe and moved quickly northeast. The tornado snapped several power poles near the intersection of Taylor Avenue and 220th Street west of Duncombe. Another outbuilding was destroyed northwest of Duncombe near the intersection of 210th Street and the Canadian National Railway. The tornado lifted not long afterwards.

This tornado was discovered using high resolution satellite imagery. There was some minor damage to trees and outbuildings along the path of this tornado through Hamilton County.

This tornado was discovered using high resolution satellite imagery. The tornado started just east of the Brushy Creek State Preserve with a short path in rural Webster County before crossing into Hamilton County. No damage was reported in Webster County, hence the EFU rating for this segment.

This tornado moved into Hamilton County from Webster County. This tornado moved northeast through rural portions of Hamilton county southwest and west of Webster City. The tornado passed over the US Highway 20 interchange with Stagecoach Road and then did damage to an industrial plant along 220th Street to the west of Webster City. The tornado dissipated a short time later.

Spotter reported wind gusts between 612 pm and 625 pm, estimated between 60 and 70 pm. Also reported large branches down, but exact size unknown.

Trained spotter estimated 70 mph winds.

Emergency manager reported 14 inch diameter tree on a house.

Former NWS employee estimated 70 mph winds and reported brief power outage.

Emergency manager reported trees down on power lines in Osceola. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado develop several miles southwest of Galt producing damage to a couple different confinement operations. Buildings were completely destroyed at one operation along 250th Street producing EF2 damage. The tornado continued northeast with additional damage to outbuildings before dissipating to the west southwest of Rowan.

Emergency manager reported large tree down on a house in Clive. Time estimated from radar.

Public reported siding, shingle, and minor tree damage to townhomes. Report was relayed via broadcast media. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado went through three counties including Wright, Franklin and Cerro Gordo. The tornado touched down just north of Rowan and moved northeast through rural eastern Wright county before crossing into Franklin County several miles northwest of Alexander. The tornado produced little damage in Wright County although some tree damage occurred just prior to crossing into Franklin County. This tornado was also found in high resolution satellite imagery.

Emergency manager reported 3 to 4 outbuildings completely destroyed near Belmond. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado moved through both Hardin and Franklin Counties. The tornado touched down in Hardin County north of Alden and moved quickly northeast. The tornado exited Hardin County into Franklin County near the intersection of Hardin Road and HH Avenue. The Hardin County segment was found and determined by using high resolution satellite imagery.

This tornado travelled through both Hardin and Franklin Counties. The tornado touched down about two miles south of Iowa Falls and passed on the southeast edges of the town. This produced some EF1 damage to buildings in the area. The tornado continued to the northeast and crossed into Franklin County near the intersection of Hardin Road and county highway S45.

Public reported large tree on a home. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado moved into Franklin County from Hardin County. Much of the path through Franklin County was found using high resolution satellite imagery. However, the emergency manager did supply some damage points on the northeast end of the track to the northeast of Bradford, Iowa. The damage was to trees with tree trunks being snapped along several different roads. The tornado lifted a few miles west southwest of Geneva.

This tornado produced a depression on the WSR-88D correlation coefficient product and a short path was also observed on high resolution satellite imagery. This tornado touched down in far north central Wright County and crossed over the Union Pacific rail line before entering into Hancock County. No damage was reported in Wright County, hence the EFU rating for this segment.

Broadcast media relayed public report of telephone pole damage at Wakonda Club Golf Course. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado moved from Wright County into Hancock County. Evidence for the tornado was from high resolution satellite imagery and correlation coefficient depression on the WSR-88D radar located in Johnston, IA. There was also some minor tree damage near West Twin Lake in southern Hancock County. The tornado continued northeast for about two more miles past the lake before dissipating.

This tornado continued into Franklin County from Wright County. The tornado continued on a northeast track through the far northwest corner of Franklin County with no reports of damage, hence the EFU rating. This tornado moved into Cerro Gordo County about a mile east of Meservey.

This tornado continued into Franklin County from Hardin County. This path was determined using high resolution satellite imagery. There was damage to trees and some outbuildings as the tornado moved northeast. The tornado lifted just south of Highway 3 near the Handorf Roadside Park.

Quarter sized hail reported at the highway 3 and interstate 35 interchange.

This tornado moved into Cerro Gordo County from Franklin County. The tornado produced damage to several farmsteads, mainly to the outbuildings with a couple of outbuildings destroyed northeast of Meservey. The tornado eventually dissipated several miles west of Swaledale.

Emergency manager reported numerous trees down blocking Highways 65/69/S. Jefferson Way near the 700 block. Other trees down in Indianola as well.

Local trained spotters reported numerous trees down and wind gusts of 65-70 mph.

This tornado produced EF1 damage on the east side of Sheffield nearly destroying a business outbuilding. The track farther to the southwest was found in high resolution satellite imagery and also confirmed through a private weather station which recorded a wind gust to 108 mph as the tornado passed its location.

This tornado began a few miles north of Geneva and moved northeast producing plenty of tree damage as well as extensive outbuilding damage on two farmsteads. Additional damage to a home with missing roofing and siding occurred along 170th Street west of Yarrow Avenue. The tornado continue producing tree and power pole damage to the northeast before lifting on the north side of 190th Street near the West Fork Wildlife Area.

Public reported heavy damage to machine sheds and out buildings.

This tornado was originally found using high resolution satellite imagery. Some damage to trees did occur with little else noted.

Emergency manager reported one outbuilding leveled and another missing the north wall. Time estimated from radar.

Tornado touched down on the east edge of the Harmon Lake State Game Management Area and raced northward. A couple of farmsteads were impacted producing EF1 damage. This tornado crossed into Faribault County in Minnesota before dissipating.

Spotter reported multiple 3 inch diameter or greater tree branches down. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado was initially found using high resolution satellite imagery. The tornado developed to the southwest of the intersection of county highway C13 and T24. This tornado raced northeast and produce some minor damage before exiting into Floyd county east of county road T24 along Floyd Line Street.

Another tornado found via high resolution satellite imagery. The tornado did some minor tree damage with little additional damage as the tornado passed through far northeast rural Cerro Gordo County.

Public reported damage to shed or outbuilding east of Manly. Time estimated from radar.

This tornado developed to the west southwest of Kensett and raced northeast passing on east of Northwood near the Northwood Municipal Airport. There was a few outbuildings damaged along the path with only EF0 rating. The tornado dissipated about 2 miles northeast of Northwood.

This tornado developed nearly 5 miles south of Newton and raced northeast. The tornado produced damage to several trees and a few outbuildings along the way. The tornado passed over the south end of the Newton Airport runway and then proceeded across the Iowa Speedway with minor damage to several structures onsite. The tornado proceeded to the northeast across Interstate 80 and eventually US Highway 6 east of Newton, dissipating shortly after passing over Highway 6.

Public reported large limbs down and metal roof blown off. Time estimated from radar.

The tornado developed near 500th Street east of county road S62 and raced through rural cropland. The tornado produced no damage, hence the EFU rating in this county. This tornado continued into Minnesota in Freeborn County.

Public reported snapped power poles. Time estimated from radar.

Spotter reported 60 to 70 mph winds and power flashes.

Public reported a large tree partially uprooted and on a home. Metal building flipped. Time estimated from radar.

Iowa DOT reported 2 semis overturned on Interstate 80 WB near the 185 to 186 mile markers. Just east of Grinnell.

Wind gusts of 60-70 mph near Centerville reported via social media. Time estimated via radar.

Waterloo ASOS recorded a 58 mph wind gust.

Marshalltown ASOS measured a 70 kt or 81 mph wind gust.

Algona AWOS recorded a 63 mph wind gust.

Waterloo ASOS recorded a 62 mph wind gust.