Strong thunderstorms moved through Southeast Iowa Tuesday evening, prompting multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings as storms tracked across the region.
Some of the first tornadic storm cells were reported in Fort Madison, Bonaparte, West Point, and Donnellson. Reports indicate storm damage to a home in Bonaparte and a metal building in Donnellson. Pea sized hail was also reported in West Point as the storms moved through Lee and surrounding counties.
More significant hail was reported elsewhere in eastern Iowa as the storms intensified. The National Weather Service received reports of hail measuring nearly 2.75 inches in diameter about three miles southwest of West Branch, 2.5 inch hail near Iowa City, and 2 inch hail south of Cedar Rapids. Hail larger than two inches is roughly the size of a hen egg and can cause damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops.
Near Donnellson in Lee County, a cattle shed and feed shed were blown down roughly three miles west southwest of town along the path of a tornado warning. At this time it has not yet been confirmed whether the damage was caused by a tornado or strong straight line winds. Storm reports and damage surveys are continuing, and the National Weather Service may release additional information if tornado damage is confirmed.
During the height of the severe weather Tuesday evening, Fort Madison residents also received a less common alert. Fort Madison Fire Chief Chad Hannum confirmed a hazardous materials warning sent to phones in the area was the result of an accidental activation of the alert system and there was no hazardous material incident.
The storms also led to a few schedule changes across the region. In Mount Pleasant, the 7th and 8th grade band performance has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24th, which will be the same night as the 4th through 8th grade choir concert. The Mount Pleasant Community School District PTA meeting has also been postponed and will now be held Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 p.m. at Harlan Elementary School. All parents and teachers are welcome to attend.
