(Davenport, IA/Moline, IL) – The National Weather Service (NWS) Office in the Quad Cities, Saturday, confirmed that at least two tornadoes formed in Iowa during severe storms Thursday, April 2nd. One of the storms was a long-lived supercell that tracked from Ottumwa through Preston, IA. The storm brought large hail that caused extensive damage to vehicles and homes in Ottumwa, especially on the north side of town, according to the Wapello County Emergency Management Director. There were also brief power outages.
A damage survey conducted by NWS crews determined both tornadoes struck eastern Iowa late Thursday afternoon. One tornado traveled over 18 miles through Clinton and Jackson counties, hitting the small town of Preston. The twister damaged a number of outbuildings and sheds, tore shingles off homes, and snapped trees and utility poles. The tornado lasted 18 minutes and was rated an EF-1 with peak winds of 105 mph.
Another brief tornado formed between Iowa City and West Liberty an hour earlier. This tornado traveled a couple miles and was rated an EF-0 with 80 mph peak winds. Those winds lofted a corn crib, destroyed part of a farm outbuilding’s roof, and bent an auger.
The NWS Quad Cities office said more short-lived tornadoes likely formed back into Washington County and that damage surveys would continue through the weekend.
