Storm sirens sounded overnight in many Iowa communities, with multiple reports of funnel clouds and tornadoes across central Iowa. Campers at Little Wall Lake Park near Jewell ran for cover. “We were standing there watching the funnels go up and down, up and down,” a woman who was camping there says. “The wind picked up and a few awnings got it but everything’s cool otherwise.”
As many as four funnel clouds reportedly touched down last night and early this morning, one each near Stanhope and Stratford and two twisters were spotted near Conrad, with scattered reports of damage. Hail and high winds up to 60-miles an hour were reported and Linn County reported almost five inches of rain in 24 hours, bringing flash flooding in Cedar Rapids. More severe weather is possible today.
(Reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)