National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

Event Summary:

A potent early Spring storm system triggered numerous small thunderstorms on March 30, 2005, including a few brief tornadoes from east of Mason City, IA through Mitchell County, Iowa to near the Minnesota-Iowa state line. This area was near the center of low pressure and nearby cold/warm fronts that served as a 'triple point' to focus severe weather development. Even though the storms were relatively small and weak, the ingredients were there to spawn brief tornadoes.

Known touchdowns included...

  • 6 miles west of Osage, IA (Mitchell County), near Echo Ave. - 2:04 p.m.
  • NW side of Stacyville (Mitchell County) - 2:13 p.m.
  • State line south of Adams, MN (Mower/Mitchell County) - 2:18 p.m.

All damage was rated F0 on the Fujita Damage Scale. Damage was mainly to garages, a pole barn, and other misc. older outbuildings.

Wind damage also occurred in southeast Minnesota, east and northeast of Rochester, MN from wind speeds of 60-70 mph.


Map of Tornado Touchdowns

 

map of tornado touchdowns

Radar image - 2:13 p.m. March 30, 2005

radar image


Damage Photos:

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Damage to garage west of Osage, IA. Pole barn destroyed on northwest side of Stacyville, IA. Wind damage to horse stable near Chester, MN.

Storm Photo:

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Wall Cloud near Rochester, MN. Photo by Dan Roline.