During the late afternoon and early evening hours on July 27th, a line of strong to severe storms moved into northeast Iowa from southeast Minnesota and produced sporadic tree damage.
Every event with a place to put it. 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 ARX wrote it up.
During the late afternoon and early evening hours on July 27th, a line of strong to severe storms moved into northeast Iowa from southeast Minnesota and produced sporadic tree damage.
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 27, 10:32 PM CST, 17 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1132 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Overnight storms - some strong, potentially severe, with a damaging
wind threat. Higher local risk from southeast MN into northwest WI.
- Steamy Monday with Heat Advisories for 100+ heat indices south of
I-94
- More rounds of showers late Mon night/Tue and again late Tue
night/Wed. Stronger storm threat with heavy rain potential.
- Turning cooler, less humid and trending dry for the latter half of
the week.
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1110 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
Monitoring line of strong to severe storms on radar moving
east-southeast through southern Minnesota. A more southerly
trajectory has been witnessed post sunset as storms seek off
surface instability. Area of highest instability, 3000+ J/kg
MLCAPE, pooled from northwest to southeast Iowa in RAP
Mesoanalysis.
Surface observations signaling location of highest instability
seen grazing our southwestern county warning area border in
northeast Iowa. As for off surface observations, the 27.00Z
RAOBs also showed steeper low to mid level lapse rates at
MPX/OAX. Highest shear collocated on the storm's southwestern
periphery based on VWPs through the Central Plains into central
Iowa.
Confidence in storm strength is low as axis of higher
instability narrows and any collocation with any effective
shear decreases. Highest confidence for ongoing storms lies
along southwestern periphery in northeast Iowa overnight,
decreasing towards the Mississippi River Valley. Should severe
storms persist locally, highest concern will continue to be
damaging winds as heights for 1" hail exceed 35k ft. Can't be
ruled out within strongest, tallest storms with 65+ dBz seen
this high temporarily.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 230 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
> OVERNIGHT STORMS: some will be strong. A few could be severe.
Damaging winds gusts the main threat. Locally heavy rain.
Convection will fire along a cold front across northern MN by late
afternoon. Strong instability (Mucapes upwards of 4k J/kg) will
result in explosive development while 40 kts of deep layer shear
help organize the storms/support updrafts. Strong/severe storms are
likely.
This convective complex will move southeast overnight and will be
knocking on the local forecast area's "door" by 1 to 2 am (per
latest CAMS). instability not nearly as hefty and near sfc inversion
will work against any storm tapping the full length of progged
hodographs. Stronger storms for sure, and still some severe risk -
moreso SE MN/NW WI at the outset. Winds the main concern. Locally
heavy rain likely. A downscale in intensity as we move into the
early morning/daybreak hours. So a relatively short window for a
severe risk.
> HOT, STEAMY MONDAY: highs topping out in the upper 80s/lower 90s,
coupled with sfc Tds in the mid 70s, will result in afternoon heat
indices in the 100+ range for a bulk of the local area (moreso
south of I-94).
Overnight/early morning storms and residual clouds will work against
the heating initially, but should clear southeast by mid morning -
leaving plenty of time for the heat to build.
Heat Advisories are in effect for locations along/south of I-90 Monday.
> MON NIGHT-WED: a couple more rounds of storms. Some strong with
heavy rain potential.
The Monday morning convection will likely layout a cold
front/outflow boundary orientated west to east across portions of
the area. While positioning is uncertain during the morning, there
is some consensus to waver this boundary across far southern
MN/central WI by Monday night. A shortwave/low level jet interaction
will spark storms over SD by Mon evening, and these will track east
and across that boundary Mon night. The 850 mb jet focuses into the
front early in the evening but becomes more parallel to it by
midnight. Ample instability a loft for convection to feed off. How
the wind shear plays out isn't as clear. Sturdy low level inversion
suggests storms will remain elevated, likely not feeling the 20+ kts
of 0-1km shear currently progged. Expect some stronger storms and
can't rule out a severe risk.
Perhaps of more concern is the potential/likelihood of heavy rain. PWs
of 2-2.5" and warm cloud depths of 4+ kft very favorable for warm
rain processes. West-east orientation will result in training storms
- so time/residence factors into possible amounts. While not
anticipating widespread flooding at this time, localized
urban/stream flooding certainly a possiblity - and potentially could
impact the Tue morning commute.
The surface front will likely get another push southward Tue from
the storms/related outflow. The next convectively enhanced shortwave
then shifts out of the northern plains and rides along/north of this
front later Tue night into Wed morning. Model differences on where
the front lays out, convection/mcv moves...and forecast confidences
in these details are kept "in-check" as a result. How overnight
convection develops and moves will impact the rest of the following
day both for Tue and Wed.
Moist, unstable airmass still in place to fuel the storms along with
heavy rain potential. If the setup of the main weather elements Tue
night/Wed shadows those from Mon night/Tue - another round of
potentially heavy rain will fall across the same areas. An increased
flooding threat would follow.
Keep a close eye on this couple day period for that potential.
> COOLER SECOND HALF OF THE WEEK: highs mostly in the 70s from Wed
into the weekend
Consistent, persistent signal in the long range guidance with
amplification of a west coast ridge early this week while an upper
level trough digs into southeast Canada. Locally, the flow becomes
more northwesterly as a result with much cooler air funneling
southeast out of Canada.
Gone will be the hot conditions of today and Monday, replaced by
unseasonably cool (below normal) and less humid air. EPS and GEFS
have nearly a 100% agreement between their ensemble members for
highs in the 70s to around 80 from Wed into the weekend.
On top of that, the local area could get a break from rain chances
starting Thu as the long range guidance continues to favor bringing
a sfc high across the region - and could linger it into the weekend.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 624 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
Main taf concern is showers/storms impacting the taf sites late
this evening into the overnight. Storms have developed over
west central Minnesota late this afternoon. These storms will
continue to move south to southeast into southern Minnesota late
this evening and impact the RST/LSE taf sites around 05z Monday
or just after 06z Monday. At this time...included a tempo group
for 05z to 09z. IFR/LIFR conditions are expected briefly under
the stronger storms/showers and include these conditions in the
tempo group. By 14z Monday showers/storms should be east and
south of both taf sites and conditions should improve to VFR.
VFR conditions will prevail around 14z and through the rest of
the taf period. Another round of storms is expected to impact
the area around or after 00z Tuesday. Will not include any
mention of the storms/showers based on late in the taf period
and later taf issuance will have better timing to impact taf
sites.
&&
.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Heat Advisory from noon to 8 PM CDT Monday for WIZ041>044-
053>055-061.
MN...Heat Advisory from noon to 8 PM CDT Monday for MNZ086>088-
094>096.
IA...Heat Advisory from noon to 8 PM CDT Monday for IAZ008>011-018-
019-029-030.
&&
UPDATE...
DISCUSSION...Rieck
AVIATION...DTJHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service La Crosse WI 245 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025 IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ086>088-094>096-WIZ041>044-053>055- 061-282345- Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette- Clayton-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-La Crosse- Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant- 245 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Minnesota...central Wisconsin... southwest Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Thunderstorms overnight, some strong with a few potentially severe. Damaging winds are the primary concern. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Thunderstorms early Monday morning. Some may be strong with damaging winds the primary concern. Heat index values above 100 degrees are expected Monday. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible again Monday night. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... No action needed. .EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION... No webinar is scheduled. MNZ079-WIZ017-029-032>034-282345- Wabasha-Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson- 245 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast Minnesota...central Wisconsin...north central Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Thunderstorms overnight, some strong with a few potentially severe. Damaging winds are the primary concern. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Thunderstorms early Monday morning. Some may be strong with damaging winds the primary concern. Heat index values above 90 degrees are expected Monday. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible again Monday night. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... No action needed. .EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION... No webinar is scheduled. nofwd
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1027 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
MNZ086-094-280400-
Dodge MN-Mower MN-
1027 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN MOWER AND SOUTHERN
DODGE COUNTIES THROUGH 1100 PM CDT...
At 1027 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ellendale, or 9 miles south of Owatonna, moving southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Mower
and southern Dodge Counties, including the following locations...
Mapleview, Lansing, Brookside Campground, County Roads 5 And 6,
Mayville, Highway 56 And County 6, Graves Landing Field, Waltham,
County Roads 1 And 15, and Highway 30 And County 3.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 175 and
181.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4409 9305 4406 9270 4361 9296 4366 9305
TIME...MOT...LOC 0327Z 293DEG 28KT 4395 9326
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FergusonSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1049 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
MNZ079-086-087-280415-
Wabasha MN-Olmsted MN-Dodge MN-
1049 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN OLMSTED...WESTERN
WABASHA AND NORTHEASTERN DODGE COUNTIES THROUGH 1115 PM CDT...
At 1049 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Zumbrota, or 15 miles northeast of Mantorville, moving east at 35
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Mazeppa around 1055 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include South Troy, Jarrett,
Ringe, Rattelsnake Point, Potsdam, Oak Center, Zumbro Falls, Highway
52 And County 14, Hidden Meadows R V Park, and West Albany.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4419 9255 4437 9255 4437 9243 4440 9243
4436 9218 4406 9239 4420 9282
TIME...MOT...LOC 0349Z 289DEG 30KT 4427 9263
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FergusonPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1129 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1050 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 WSW Lansing 43.74N 93.01W
07/27/2025 Mower MN Public
Downed trees. Time estimated via radar.
&&
jarPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1143 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1125 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 4 N Lyle 43.56N 92.95W
07/27/2025 M64 MPH Mower MN Mesonet
Mesonet station MN144 US 218 at Lyle at Mp
4.
&&
APFPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1144 PM CDT Sun Jul 27 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1135 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 4 N Lyle 43.56N 92.95W
07/27/2025 M64 MPH Mower MN Mesonet
Mesonet station MN144 U.s.218 - Lyle - Mp 4.
&&
jarThe La Crosse radar (KARX), 165 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 04:48 UTC.
3 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency management reported trees down in Nora Springs.
The Mitchell County 911 Call Center reported multiple trees down in the city of Osage.
Emergency management reported a tree down in the city of Rockford.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Iowa in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Iowa, July 2025
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: 1286213, 1286214, 1286215.