Hail and Damaging Wind in Iowa, July 4, 2022

Name: Hail and Damaging Wind in Iowa, July 4, 2022
Start: 2022-07-04T19:25
End: 2022-07-04T19:46
Location: Iowa

July 4, 2022 · NWS ARX · 4 events in 2 counties and zones

Scattered storms moved across portions of northeast Iowa during the evening of July 4th. A few of these storms became strong enough to produce some hail across Fayette and Clayton Counties.

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: 0
Property damage: $2,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 4

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 ARX wrote it up.

Scattered storms moved across portions of northeast Iowa during the evening of July 4th. A few of these storms became strong enough to produce some hail across Fayette and Clayton Counties. The largest reported hail was quarter sized in Littleport (Clayton County) and Elkport (Clayton County).

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 La Crosse, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 4, 5:31 PM CST, 1 hour 54 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 4, 5:31 PM CST, 1 hour 54 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
631 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

.DISCUSSION...(This evening through Monday)
Issued at 310 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

Key Messages:

 - Storm redevelopment later this afternoon/evening

 - Steamy Tuesday, especially south of I90.

 - On and Off Rain Chances Through the Week

Early afternoon radar imagery has the leading edge of this
morning's line of thunderstorms now pushing into far eastern
Wisconsin. Stratiform showers with a few isolated storms have
continued for much of the area in wake of the passing line with some
isolated storms in northeast Iowa. The main concern becomes the
potential for storm redevelopment. Confidence is still on the lower
end for this storm redevelopment location with multiple weak
boundaries in place from the morning showers and storms. However
latest meso-model guidance has been targeting potential re-
development over parts of far southeast Minnesota into Wisconsin
and northeast Iowa...then extending southeastward tonight. Much
of southeast Minnesota could remain dry. Where the forecast could
go wrong is if storms fire up farther northwestward.  For example
in one scenario as hinted by a meso model, an MCV diving
southeastward from North Dakota could ignite convection across
much of southeast Minnesota then quickly advancing southeastward.
The SPC mesoscale graphics at 19Z show the +12 deg 700mb
temperatures building in across southwest MN and western Iowa with
SBCAPE building into the area.

If storms can develop, the severe potential could quickly escalate
with potential hail initially if cells remain discrete, then
becoming more of a wind threat as storms become more clustered.
While shear values of 40 knots in the lowest 3 km would be
supportive, there still remains some concern about the capping
inversion and if the forcing would be strong enough to overcome this
inhibition. Forecast soundings would suggest just over 100 J/kg of
CIN centered around 800 mb, and latest satellite imagery showing
some cumulus field development struggling to become glaciated across
northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Another key player is how
well the low-level jet increases over the area and interacts with
the decent pool of instability centered more over Iowa.

Behind the shortwave tonight...the surface front is forecast to push
toward southern Minnesota and central Wisconsin, slowing down and
becoming stationary near northern Iowa into southern Wisconsin.  A
shortwave trough over North Dakota is forecast to drop southeast
toward Minnesota Tuesday afternoon.  Hot temperatures and humid
conditions are forecast south of the front with convergence along
the front increasing. Did issue a heat advisory where heat index
values of 100 to 105 degrees are expected, especially for parts of
northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. There may be some
isolated activity Tuesday morning, otherwise it should be mainly
dry until mid to late afternoon with scattered storms developing
and continuing into the evening. Areas along and south of the
front...south of I90 are in the slight risk for severe weather
Tuesday. Due to the high precipitable water pooled along the front
of 2 to 2.5 inches and deep cloud depths of 4 to 4.5km, where
storms form, locally heavy rain will be possible. This unsettled
pattern continues Tuesday night into Wednesday and Wednesday night
into Thursday. If the front pushes far enough to the south
Friday, this should take the organized showers and storms with it.

Saturday through Monday will have some mainly dry periods, however
as the ridge builds over the Plains, there are hints at a weak wave
in northwest flow aloft that could affect parts of the forecast are
Saturday afternoon.  The ridge breaks down Sunday night with a
chance for a few showers/storms ahead of the cold front.  A
reinforcing cold front arrives Tuesday with again spotty rain
chances.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Tuesday evening)
Issued at 614 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

Primary forecast concern for both TAF sites is widespread fog
overnight into the morning. Evening thunderstorms expected to
remain south of both sites tonight. Initial onset just after 06Z,
quickly thickening becoming IFR. While intermittent LIFR possible,
have only included IFR vis with current 00Z TAF issuance.
Precipitation chances return towards the end of the forecast
period.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Heat Advisory from noon to 8 PM CDT Tuesday for WIZ053>055-061.

MN...NONE.
IA...Heat Advisory from noon to 8 PM CDT Tuesday for IAZ008>011-018-
     019-029-030.

&&

DISCUSSION...Peters/Zapotocny
AVIATION...JAR

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 4, 5:37 PM CST, 1 hour 48 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
637 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-
032>034-041>044-053>055-061-060345-
Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette-
Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-
Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
637 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast
Minnesota...northeast Iowa and southwest into central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Strong to severe storms are possible this evening, especially from
northeastern Iowa into southwestern Wisconsin. Severe risk
consists of hail and damaging winds as the main threats. All
storms could produce locally heavy rain.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

Additional storm chances through the week. A few could be strong,
potentially severe Tuesday and Wednesday...mostly south of
Interstate 90.

Hot Tuesday afternoon with heat indices in the 90s to near 105
degrees.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

If storms redevelop this afternoon and evening, a few spotter
groups may be needed.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

No webinar is scheduled.

nofwd

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 4, 1:40 PM CST, 5 hours 45 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
240 PM CDT MON JUL 4 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0140 PM     HEAVY RAIN       2 SSE HOLMEN            43.93N 91.24W
07/04/2022  M0.75 INCH       LA CROSSE          WI   NWS EMPLOYEE

&&

JAR

Local storm report, Jul 4, 2:18 PM CST, 5 hours 7 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
318 PM CDT MON JUL 4 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0300 PM     HEAVY RAIN       2 ENE ONALASKA          43.90N 91.18W
07/04/2022  M0.89 INCH       LA CROSSE          WI   NWS EMPLOYEE

&&

CZ

Special weather statement, Jul 4, 6:18 PM CST, 1 hour 7 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
718 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

IAZ029-030-050100-
Clayton IA-Fayette IA-
718 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Clayton
and east central Fayette Counties through 800 PM CDT...

At 717 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
West Union, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Elgin around 735 PM CDT.
  Volga around 750 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this storm include Volga River State
Park, Wadena, Brainard, Gunder, Albany, and Highland.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 4287 9183 4295 9181 4300 9144 4277 9150
TIME...MOT...LOC 0017Z 274DEG 18KT 4291 9175

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Kurz

Special weather statement, Jul 4, 6:37 PM CST, 48 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
737 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

WIZ061-050100-
Grant WI-
737 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Grant
County through 800 PM CDT...

At 737 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Platteville, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Platteville around 750 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this storm include Annaton, Arthur,
Lancaster Municipal Airport, Livingston, Platteville Airport, Union
and Ellenboro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 4276 9070 4294 9058 4291 9043 4267 9043
TIME...MOT...LOC 0037Z 279DEG 29KT 4279 9059

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Kurz

Special weather statement, Jul 4, 7:06 PM CST, 19 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
806 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

WIZ061-050130-
Grant WI-
806 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Grant County
through 830 PM CDT...

At 806 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Bloomington, or 10 miles west of Lancaster, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Lancaster around 825 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this storm include Porters Bridge,
Klondyke Secluded Acres, Lancaster Municipal Airport, Stitzer and
Ellenboro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 AM CDT for
southwestern Wisconsin.

&&

LAT...LON 4283 9097 4295 9094 4295 9058 4275 9061
TIME...MOT...LOC 0106Z 273DEG 30KT 4290 9090

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Kurz

Special weather statement, Jul 4, 7:22 PM CST, 3 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
822 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

IAZ029-050145-
Fayette IA-
822 PM CDT Mon Jul 4 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Fayette
County through 845 PM CDT...

At 822 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Sumner, or 15 miles northwest of Oelwein, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southwestern
Fayette County, including the following locations... Randalia,
Highway 93 And County W 14, Westgate, Highway 93 And County V 68 and
Donnan.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 AM CDT for
northeastern Iowa.

&&

LAT...LON 4277 9208 4291 9208 4290 9185 4272 9195
TIME...MOT...LOC 0122Z 285DEG 22KT 4284 9212

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Kurz

The radar

The La Crosse radar (KARX), 119 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 01:27 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

3 hail, 1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Clayton

When: July 4, 7:25 PM CST
Where: Clayton County, 0.69 mi N of Littleport
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.760, -91.370

Quarter sized hail was reported in Littleport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clayton

When: July 4, 7:30 PM CST
Where: Clayton County, 2.14 mi ESE of Littleport
Measured: 40 kt (46 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 42.740, -91.330

Trees were blown down east of Littleport.

Hail, Clayton

When: July 4, 7:35 PM CST
Where: Clayton County, 0.69 mi N of Garber
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.740, -91.270

Quarter sized hail was reported in Elkport.

Hail, Fayette

When: July 4, 7:46 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.51 mi W of Maynard
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.770, -91.880

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Iowa in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history Warnings in Iowa, July 2022

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: 1043538, 1043547, 1043545, 1043541.