A storm developed very quickly in Winnehiek County just before 5 pm. It turned into a tornado warning with rotation indicated on the radar. At this point there are some unconfirmed reports of a funnel cloud with the storm. We are trying to get photos of the funnel cloud. If we get them I will add them to this blog post.

Here is a map to show where the storm reports came in from.

The storm did produce large hail and strong winds. Here is a photo that was sent to us showing the size of a hail stone. It fell at 4:56 pm 2 miles west of Decorah.  It is 2.00″ in diameter…a little larger than an egg. 

Here are some other reports from the storm:

4 E Ridgeway [Winneshiek Co, IA] public reports HAIL of golf ball size (E1.75 INCH) at 04:56 PM CDT — quarter to golfball. dented camper. wind estimated at 50 mph with leaves sprayed onto side of house. no damage to home siding.

2 NE Calmar [Winneshiek Co, IA] co-op observer reports HAIL of quarter size (M1.00 INCH) at 05:10 PM CDT — cooperative observer measured up to quarter size hail. drifts of hail in road ditch and the corn was stripped of the leaves with stalks and ears left.

Calmar [Winneshiek Co, IA] fire dept/rescue reports TSTM WND GST of E70 MPH at 05:10 PM CDT — Calmar Fire Department estimated a wind gust of 70 miles per hour.

Here is what the storm looked like in Fayette County by Jordan Dierks.

On the lighter side, the combination of rain and the sun setting produced some nice rainbows. Here are some that were sent in this evening.

From: Dave and Carol Mallory near Walker

From: Karen Meyer near Winthrop

From: Kim Fettkether near Dunkerton

Posted under Clouds, Photo, Severe Weather