Thunderstorm Wind — Shelby, Iowa

2025-07-29 · near Westphalia, Shelby, Iowa

Event narrative

Trained spotter measured wind gust using a handheld anemometer. Had consistent 45-55 mph gusts and one gust of 70 mph.

Wider weather episode

On the evening of July 29, 2026, a surface front draped from central Nebraska to the state's northeast and southeastern South Dakota, serving as the focal point for thunderstorm development during the late afternoon. As the evening progressed, these storms coalesced into a mesoscale convective complex (MCS) that moved southeast across eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. While the atmosphere was primed with sufficient instability, a lack of shear remained a limiting factor for widespread storm organization. Regardless, several reports of damaging wind gusts ranging from 58 to 70 mph were received throughout the evening. A notable report came from a trained spotter 3 miles west of Westphalia, Iowa, who measured a 70 mph gust. Damage was also reported, including 6- to 8-inch diameter tree limbs downed in Murray, Nebraska.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.7200, -95.3400)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1282694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.