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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
‘Violent’ Iowa tornadoes ripped houses apart, crumpled grain bins, stripped trees
Preliminary analysis reports at least one Friday tornado was an EF4, the second-highest classification available
At least one of the tornadoes that ripped across Iowa Friday afternoon has been classified as an EF4, the second-highest rating available on the scale that’s used to measure the storms.
The National Weather Service’s Quad Cities bureau reported Sunday that preliminary assessments of damage from the March 31 storm system indicate multiple tornadoes touched down.
The most significant of the tornadoes assessed so far was an EF4 that tracked from Keokuk County into Washington and Johnson counties from 3:48 to 4:37 p.m. Friday. Its estimated peak winds were 170 miles per hour and its maximum width was 600 yards.
The National Weather Service’s assessment notes the “large violent tornado” damaged buildings near Martinsburg, Keota and Wellman.
The assessment reports that several houses were damaged, including one that was wiped “completely off its foundation.” Trees were “completely debarked,” a car was tossed 1,000 feet into a field, and a 325-foot cellphone tower was toppled. Three people were injured.
There are several tornadoes in Iowa and Illinois that have yet to be surveyed. Detailed storm surveys take time and patience, and we will continue to work on all of them until they are completed.
— NWS Quad Cities (@NWSQuadCities) April 2, 2023
Only completed surveys will be added to this pagehttps://t.co/9nic4AQfMo
Two additional tornadoes have been confirmed in Johnson County. The storm that passed through Coralville between 4:42 and 4:57 p.m. received a preliminary rating of EF2 with wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour.
The Coralville tornado damaged a warehouse near Highway 6 and flipped several trailers and a truck. The path of the tornado — which was on the ground for about 75 yards — tore into a residential area. At least two injuries were reported.
The second confirmed Johnson County tornado began southwest of Hills just before 5 p.m., the National Weather Service reports. The greatest damage was to homes on the west side of town, where “roofs were completely torn off, siding removed from several homes and a large outbuilding destroyed.” The National Weather Service notes several trees were also snapped.
The Hills tornado packed maximum wind speeds of 120 miles per hour. At its largest, it was 50 yards across, and it stayed on the ground for 8.8 miles, according to preliminary assessments.
As of Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service had reported five other tornadoes during the Friday outbreak. They were in Des Moines, Jackson, Clinton and Cedar counties, and preliminary assessments report they were between EF0 and EF2 on the classification scale.
In all, there were at least 11 injuries reported as a result of the storms.
Damage assessments are expected to take several days.
Severe storms possible again this week
The National Weather Service’s Quad Cities bureau is predicting there’s a chance of severe storms again this week — Monday night into Wednesday. The greatest risk of severe weather is on Tuesday.
Thunderstorms return to the area Monday night where we could see isolated hail to the size of quarters. A more significant threat for severe weather will exist Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday AM. Damaging winds, tornadoes and hail are all main threat. pic.twitter.com/Gn0O8qoduY
— NWS Quad Cities (@NWSQuadCities) April 2, 2023
According to a storm briefing released Sunday morning, there is an “enhanced risk” of severe weather for portions of eastern and southeastern Iowa, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Ottumwa and Mount Pleasant. The risk is a 3 on a 5-point scale.
The storm Tuesday night into Wednesday morning could produce large hail, tornadoes and damaging winds.
Comments: (319) 398-8465; sara.baranowski@thegazette.com
Ed Whestine hands items to his son-in-law, Mark Anderson, on his farm southwest of Wellman on Saturday. Multiple tornadoes passed through the area during the March 31 storm. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
The foundations of the house on Ed Whestine’s farm southwest of Wellman on Saturday. Whestine took shelter in the basement as multiple tornadoes passed through the area during the March 31 storm. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
Damage to trees southwest of Wellman on Saturday. Multiple tornadoes passed through the area during the March 31 storm. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
Damaged gran bins southwest of Wellman on Saturday. Multiple tornadoes passed through the area during the March 31 storm. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
Debris from an apartment garage is seen as cleanup continues following a tornado near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Ninth Street in Coralville on Saturday. City crews, residents and neighbors worked to clear debris off the roadway and vehicles. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A pickup truck rests on its roof as cleanup continues following a tornado near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Ninth Street in Coralville on Saturday. City crews, residents and neighbors worked to clear debris off the roadway and vehicles. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A skid steer moves debris as cleanup continues following a tornado that severely damaged apartment buildings and businesses near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Ninth Street in Coralville on Saturday. City crews, residents and neighbors worked to clear debris off the roadway and vehicles. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
