EF0 tornado in Johnson County, Iowa

A review of Sentinel satellite data confirms that a separate tornado developed near Amish, and moved northeast around 6 miles to near Frytown, before dissipating. The tornado caused damage to farm outbuildings along its path. The tornado was rated EF0 with maximum winds around 85 mph. After the tornado dissipated, the associated supercell thunderstorm cycled again and produced an EF2 tornado that tracked from Coralville to Solon.

A very strong system developed on the morning of March 31st and tracked across the state of Iowa. This system pulled unseasonably warm and moist air into the Midwest, which combined with a very favorable wind profile to create a volatile environment for severe thunderstorms. Discrete supercell thunderstorms occurred initially, but quickly transitioned into a QLCS mode. This system produced a historic tornado outbreak for the area, with a record 29 tornadoes on the day, including 13 rated EF-2, 1 rated EF-3, and 1 rated EF-4. This was the first EF-4 tornado in the NWS Quad Cities service area since 1995. 11 injuries were reported, with no known fatalities. In addition to the numerous tornadoes, there were many large hail and damaging wind reports. Maximum straight line thunderstorm winds were estimated at 80 to 90 mph.