High Wind — Mahaska, Iowa

2003-05-30 · Mahaska, Iowa

Event narrative

One death overnight due to weakened tree falling on tent.

Wider weather episode

An intense late May low pressure dropped southeast across northern Minnesota into southern Wisconsin during the afternoon hours. The low took on the characteristics of an Alberta Clipper as it dropped to around 993 mb during the afternoon hours. A strong surge of warm air pushed into Iowa, sending the mercury into the upper 80s to low 90s. A cold front pushed southeast into the state during the mid afternoon hours. The atmosphere was too dry for any thunderstorm development. Strong winds aloft were brought to the surface as the atmosphere became super adiabatic under strong cold air advection behind the front. Winds were sustained in the 30 to 45 MPH range for several hours during the late afternoon, with gusts to between 40 and 60 MPH. The highest recorded wind speed came from the Boone area with a 58 MPH wind gust. Numerous reporting sites had wind gusts over 50 MPH. Scattered damage was reported with tree limbs and some power lines being taken down. Several power poles were blown down by the wind in Wright County. Another problem was with blowing dust. Visibilities were reduced significantly causing traffic slow downs. In a few areas motorists were required to turn on the headlights. One fatality occurred from the wind event. A family was camping at a campground 5 miles southeast of Oskaloosa. Three people were in a tent when an 80 foot tree, weakened by high winds during the previous 18 hours, fell on the tent at approximately 0425 on the morning of the 31st. A 23 year old female was killed instantly. The other two occupants were uninjured.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5351951. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.