Severe storms bring high winds, hail and downed trees to Eastern Iowa

Severe thunderstorms swept Tuesday across Central and Eastern Iowa, bringing hail and high winds that damaged buildings and snapped trees.

According to National Weather Service storm reports, the bad weather in the state spanned from as far west as Story City north of Des Moines to as far east as Bellevue on the Iowa-Illinois border.

Early storm reports shows widespread winds, ranging from 40 to 70 mph, as well as hail raging in size from a quarter inch to 1 inch in diameter.

Reports out of Fayette County indicate major wind damage in the southern portion of the county, according to the National Weather Service. The Fayette Count Sheriff’s Office reported roof damage in Oelwein, as well as to a grain bin along Highway V62 and to a hog confinement building on Highway 281.

In Manchester, early storm reports indicate the downtown area suffered several downed trees and a building suffered significant roof damage. Early damage reports also indicate a pole barn northwest of town was flattened.

In Jesup, roughly 16 miles east of Waterloo, heavy rains were reported, causing some flooding. The storm reports show the town of roughly 2,800 people received more than an inch of rain in about 30 minutes.

Other damage reports include:

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