Thunderstorm Wind — Scott, Iowa

1997-06-21 · near Davenport, Scott, Iowa

Event narrative

Winds downed a large tree into an occupied tent. One 12 year old boy was crushed beneath the tree with two others in the tent slightly injured. A fourth boy was unharmed. These four and several others were camped out in the backyard of the "family" home and were there for a family reunion. All were sleeping when the winds struck.

Wider weather episode

Strong and damaging winds swept through Eastern Iowa and Northwestern Illinois causing several injuries and one fatality. Many large healthy, even landmark, trees were downed. Downed trees caused widespread power outages and blocked roads. The most severe winds tracked along portions of the Wapsipinicon River causing extreme damage to homes and cabins. Strong winds also struck the Davenport area damaging aircraft at the Airshow and killing one boy when a tree fell on the tent in which he was sleeping.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.5300, -90.5800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5603953. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.