The Tornado Outbreak of March 31, 2023

Tornado Totals:

National Tornadoes on March 31-April 1, 2023			NWS Quad Cities County Warning Area Tornadoes on March 31, 2023

Damage Assessment Toolkit Viewer

Damage including Tornado Tracks KMZ File for in/near DVN CWA

Damage including Tornado Tracks Shapefile for in/near DVN CWA

Timeline of Tornadoes in the NWS Quad Cities CWA on March 31, 2023

Photos & Video

Keota, IA (Josh Franson)	Keota, IA (Hunter Fowkes)	Keota, IA (Sam Ritter)
De Witt Looking Northwest (Clinton EMA)	West Branch, IA (Nick Stewart)	2 W Packwood, IA (David Foster)
	Keota, IA (Andre Wehrle)

Radar

Local Radar Loop	EF-4 Parent Supercell Thunderstorm Radar Loop
Interactive Radar Loop - Courtesy IEM	This two hour long radar loop of the KDVN 0.5° reflectivity (left) and correlation coefficient (right) covers 3:20 PM - 5:20 PM and is centered on the supercell thunderstorm that produced the EF3 and EF4 tornadoes in southeast Iowa. Much of the blue in the correlation coefficient indicate the presence of non-meteorological targets, or in this case, debris lofted by the strong tornadoes. The height in which the debris had been lofted correlates to violent tornado intensity.

Storm Reports

SPC Storm Reports		March 31 Storm Reports
Interactive Storm Report Map  (SPC)
Interactive Storm Report Map  (IEM)

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE QUAD CITIES IA IL
113 AM CDT SAT APR 1 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0143 PM     TSTM WND DMG     ANTIOCH                 40.31N 91.69W
03/31/2023                   CLARK              MO   LAW ENFORCEMENT  

            TREE DOWN OVER HIGHWAY 81. PUBLIC REPORT 
            RELAYED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. 

0148 PM     HAIL             2 NNE SPERRY            40.97N 91.14W
03/31/2023  M0.70 INCH       DES MOINES         IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            PEA TO DIME SIZE HAIL. 

0208 PM     HAIL             1 WSW NEW LONDON        40.92N 91.43W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       HENRY              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

0320 PM     HAIL             2 NE ROCK ISLAND        41.50N 90.55W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       ROCK ISLAND        IL   PUBLIC           


0344 PM     HAIL             TISKILWA                41.29N 89.51W
03/31/2023  M1.75 INCH       BUREAU             IL   PUBLIC           

            RELAYED BY BROADCAST MEDIA. 

0352 PM     HAIL             ERIE                    41.66N 90.08W
03/31/2023  U1.00 INCH       WHITESIDE          IL   PUBLIC           

            REPORT FROM MPING: QUARTER (1.00 IN.). 

0352 PM     HAIL             PRINCETON               41.38N 89.47W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       BUREAU             IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            RELAYED BY NWS CHICAGO. 

0357 PM     TORNADO          2 SSE LANCASTER         41.26N 92.15W
03/31/2023  EF0              KEOKUK             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            LARGE TORNADO ON THE GROUND. 

0410 PM     TORNADO          4 W TALLEYRAND          41.30N 92.04W
03/31/2023                   KEOKUK             IA   PUBLIC           

             

0421 PM     TORNADO          WELLMAN                 41.47N 91.84W
03/31/2023                   WASHINGTON         IA   PUBLIC           

            MICHAEL HARTLEY HEADING TOWARDS KALONA 
            SPOTTER REPORT. 

0425 PM     HAIL             NEPONSET                41.30N 89.79W
03/31/2023  E1.75 INCH       BUREAU             IL   PUBLIC           

            CYLE DICKENS NWS CHAT. 

0427 PM     HAIL             COGGON                  42.28N 91.53W
03/31/2023  E0.70 INCH       LINN               IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            NWSCHAT. 

0429 PM     HAIL             KEOTA                   41.36N 91.96W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       KEOKUK             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0430 PM     TSTM WND GST     GARRISON                42.15N 92.14W
03/31/2023  M60 MPH          BENTON             IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

             

0430 PM     HAIL             GARRISON                42.14N 92.14W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       BENTON             IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

             

0433 PM     TORNADO          2 NE WELLMAN            41.49N 91.80W
03/31/2023                   WASHINGTON         IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            CONFIRMED TORNADO ON THE GROUND BEING 
            FOLLOWED BY SPOTTERS. 

0436 PM     TORNADO          WELLMAN                 41.47N 91.84W
03/31/2023  EF1              WASHINGTON         IA   LAW ENFORCEMENT  

            DEPUTY WATCHING, REPORTED IN CHAT ROOM. 

0440 PM     HAIL             VAN HORNE               42.01N 92.09W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       BENTON             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

0440 PM     HAIL             JESUP                   42.48N 92.07W
03/31/2023  E0.50 INCH       BUCHANAN           IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            PEA TO HALF INCH SIZED HAIL. 

0441 PM     HAIL             1 W VAN HORNE           42.01N 92.11W
03/31/2023  E0.50 INCH       BENTON             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            OCCURRING RIGHT NOW. PEA TO HALF INCH HAIL 
            AND A LOT OF IT. 

0444 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 NE GARRISON           42.16N 92.11W
03/31/2023                   BENTON             IA   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE 

            FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED 70 MPH WITH DAMAGE 
            TO HOMES. REPORT RELAYED BY THE EMERGENCY 
            MANAGER. 

0445 PM     TSTM WND DMG     GARRISON                42.14N 92.14W
03/31/2023                   BENTON             IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            ESTIMATED NEAR 70 MPH WINDS. LARGE BARN WAS 
            DAMAGED, TRAILER DAMAGED, TREE BRANCHES 
            DOWN, AND AN OUTBUILDING WITH DAMAGE. 
            POSSIBLE TORNADO. 

0445 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 NW VINTON             42.17N 92.03W
03/31/2023                   BENTON             IA   PUBLIC           

            BARNS DOWN NEAR VINTON AFTER INITIAL LINE 
            WENT THROUGH, POSSIBLE TORNADO. 

0446 PM     HAIL             2 NE GARRISON           42.16N 92.11W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       BENTON             IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

             

0446 PM     HAIL             2 SSW WILLIAMSTOWN      41.54N 91.74W
03/31/2023  E0.50 INCH       JOHNSON            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  
           

0450 PM     HAIL             2 WSW BECKWITH          41.01N 91.91W
03/31/2023  E0.25 INCH       JEFFERSON          IA   PUBLIC           

            HIGH WINDS BREAKING BRANCHES. 

0455 PM     HAIL             1 WSW CEDAR RAPIDS      41.97N 91.69W
03/31/2023  E0.25 INCH       LINN               IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            DEBRIS FALLING, WOOD AND HUSKS. 

0459 PM     HAIL             CORALVILLE              41.69N 91.60W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       JOHNSON            IA   PUBLIC           

            HAIL INCREASING AND SHEET METAL AND 
            INSULATION FALLING FROM THE SKY. 

0500 PM     HAIL             VAN HORNE               42.01N 92.09W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       BENTON             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0502 PM     HAIL             2 N VAN ORIN            41.58N 89.35W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       BUREAU             IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0505 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 WNW BELLE PLAINE      41.91N 92.30W
03/31/2023  M70 MPH          BENTON             IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            AT LEAST 70; COULD BE 70 PLUS WIND GUST. 

0515 PM     HAIL             2 E NORTH LIBERTY       41.74N 91.58W
03/31/2023  M1.75 INCH       JOHNSON            IA   PUBLIC           

0520 PM     TSTM WND DMG     LISBON                  41.92N 91.39W
03/31/2023                   LINN               IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            TREES DOWN AT THIS LOCATION. 6 INCH DIAMETER 
            TREES. 

0520 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 NW KAHOKA             40.43N 91.72W
03/31/2023                   CLARK              MO   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            LIGHT DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS, SIGNS BLOWN DOWN, 
            AND 3-8 INCH TREE LIMBS DOWN. ESTIMATE NEAR 
            70-80 MPH WINDS. 

0525 PM     HAIL             FORT MADISON            40.41N 91.40W
03/31/2023  E0.70 INCH       LEE                IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            STRONG WIND TRAFFIC STUCK ON THE BYPASS. 

0528 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 SSW MANCHESTER        42.47N 91.47W
03/31/2023                   DELAWARE           IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            BUILDINGS DOWN ON BURRINGTON RD AND SOUTH 
            5TH. ALSO POWER POLES DOWN. 

0528 PM     HAIL             COLUMBUS JUNCTION       41.28N 91.36W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       LOUISA             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            SC556 STORM CHASER. 

0529 PM     HAIL             VINTON                  42.17N 92.03W
03/31/2023  M1.00 INCH       BENTON             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0532 PM     TSTM WND GST     NORWAY                  41.90N 91.92W
03/31/2023  E70 MPH          BENTON             IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            DELAYED REPORT. 

0534 PM     TSTM WND GST     YARMOUTH                41.03N 91.32W
03/31/2023  M61 MPH          DES MOINES         IA   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE 

             

0535 PM     TSTM WND GST     MUSCATINE MUNICIPALITY  41.37N 91.15W
03/31/2023  M63 MPH          MUSCATINE          IA   AWOS             

            AWOS. 

0536 PM     TSTM WND GST     CEDAR RAPIDS MUNICIPALI 41.88N 91.72W
03/31/2023  M69 MPH          LINN               IA   ASOS             

            ASOS. 

0537 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 SSE NIOTA             40.60N 91.28W
03/31/2023                   HANCOCK            IL   PUBLIC           

            MPING OF TREE DAMAGE AT LOCATION. 

0537 PM     TSTM WND GST     WEVER                   40.72N 91.23W
03/31/2023  E55 MPH          LEE                IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0537 PM     TSTM WND GST     SHELLSBURG              42.09N 91.87W
03/31/2023  M70 MPH          BENTON             IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

             

0538 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 SE BEAVERDALE         40.84N 91.21W
03/31/2023                   DES MOINES         IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            SEMI BLOWN OFF THE ROAD ON HIGHWAY 61. 

0539 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 ESE CORALVILLE        41.68N 91.58W
03/31/2023                   JOHNSON            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            BUILDINGS DOWN IN CORALVILLE FROM THE STRIP 
            TO BOSTON WAY, NEAR THE MALL. 

0541 PM     TSTM WND DMG     MEDIAPOLIS              41.01N 91.17W
03/31/2023                   DES MOINES         IA   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            5 HOUSES MISSING ROOFS; TRAMPOLINE IN A TREE 
            WITH CONSIDERABLE OTHER DAMAGE. TIME 
            ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 

0542 PM     TSTM WND GST     BURLINGTON REGIONAL AIR 40.78N 91.13W
03/31/2023  M59 MPH          DES MOINES         IA   ASOS             

            ASOS. 

0542 PM     HAIL             LOWDEN                  41.86N 90.92W
03/31/2023  E0.75 INCH       CEDAR              IA   CO-OP OBSERVER   

            GUSTY WINDS ROTATION SPOTTED. 

0545 PM     HAIL             LOWDEN                  41.86N 90.92W
03/31/2023  M1.50 INCH       CEDAR              IA   CO-OP OBSERVER   

             

0545 PM     HAIL             2 N BURLINGTON          40.84N 91.12W
03/31/2023  M0.70 INCH       DES MOINES         IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME ESTIMATED. 

0545 PM     TSTM WND GST     HIAWATHA                42.05N 91.68W
03/31/2023  E70 MPH          LINN               IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            ALSO PEA SIZED HAIL. 

0552 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 N ROZETTA             40.96N 90.86W
03/31/2023  M81 MPH          HENDERSON          IL   PUBLIC           

            ALSO PEA SIZED HAIL. 

0554 PM     TSTM WND DMG     MEDIAPOLIS              41.01N 91.17W
03/31/2023                   DES MOINES         IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            REPORTS OF DAMAGE TO HOMES. 

0556 PM     HAIL             DAVENPORT MUNICIPALITY  41.61N 90.58W
03/31/2023  M0.25 INCH       SCOTT              IA   OFFICIAL NWS OBS 

            AT THE OFFICE. 

0600 PM     TSTM WND DMG     SEATON                  41.10N 90.80W
03/31/2023                   MERCER             IL   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE 

            CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM 
            SEATON. DAMAGE SEEMED MORE SEVERE THAN 
            STRAIGHT LINE WINDS, MISSING SHINGLES, 
            DESTROYED AND DAMAGED OUTBUILDINGS ON THE 
            OUT SKIRTS OF TOWN. NO INJURIES REPORTED AT 
            THIS TIME. 

0600 PM     HAIL             1 NNW MAQUOKETA         42.07N 90.67W
03/31/2023  E0.88 INCH       JACKSON            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            DIME TO NICKEL HAIL. TIME ESTIMATED. 

0600 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 SW ELEANOR            40.94N 90.75W
03/31/2023                   WARREN             IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            CORRECTS THE TIME OF THE TSTM WND DMG REPORT 
            FROM 4 SW ELEANOR. TOPS SNAPPED OUT OF 
            TREES. ESTIMATED WINDS OF 70 TO 75 MPH. 

0600 PM     HAIL             4 NE ILLINOIS CITY      41.44N 90.84W
03/31/2023  E0.88 INCH       ROCK ISLAND        IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            DIME TO NICKEL HAIL. 

0601 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 ENE BURLINGTON REGION 40.79N 91.11W
03/31/2023  E65 MPH          DES MOINES         IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            ESTIMATED WINDS OF 60 TO 70 MPH. 

0605 PM     TSTM WND GST     2 WSW ROCK ISLAND       41.46N 90.61W
03/31/2023  M58 MPH          ROCK ISLAND        IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            I280 AT JUMERS. 

0610 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 ESE CORALVILLE        41.68N 91.58W
03/31/2023                   JOHNSON            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            POSS TORNADO MULTIPLE BUILDINGS DOWN, 
            COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS SOME APTS MISSING 
            ROOFS. 

0611 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 S EDMORE              42.53N 90.68W
03/31/2023                   DUBUQUE            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            POWER LINES AND TREES DOWN AT INTERSECTION 
            OF 32ND ST AND PERU ROAD. 

0613 PM     HAIL             1 NNW FRUITLAND         41.49N 90.52W
03/31/2023  U1.00 INCH       ROCK ISLAND        IL   PUBLIC           

            REPORT FROM MPING: QUARTER (1.00 IN.). 

0613 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 SSW MILLERSBURG       41.21N 90.83W
03/31/2023                   MERCER             IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            LIMBS DOWN ESTIMATED WINDS OF 70 MPH. 

0613 PM     HAIL             BETTENDORF              41.56N 90.48W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       SCOTT              IA   PUBLIC           

            4015 WAKONDA DRIVE. 

0614 PM     TSTM WND GST     MOLINE QUAD-CITY AIRPOR 41.45N 90.50W
03/31/2023  M53 MPH          ROCK ISLAND        IL   ASOS             

            ASOS. 

0615 PM     HAIL             2 W BETTENDORF          41.56N 90.51W
03/31/2023  E1.00 INCH       SCOTT              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0618 PM     TSTM WND GST     LORE                    42.52N 90.80W
03/31/2023  M73 MPH          DUBUQUE            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            WIND DATA CAPTURED FROM OBSERVATION 
            EQUIPMENT. DOWNED TREE AT LOCATION WAS 6IN 
            DIAMETER. OTHER LARGE BRANCHES DOWN. 

0620 PM     HAIL             HAMPTON                 41.55N 90.41W
03/31/2023  M0.75 INCH       ROCK ISLAND        IL   PUBLIC           

            VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. 

0620 PM     TSTM WND DMG     WOODHULL                41.18N 90.32W
03/31/2023                   HENRY              IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            ROOF OFF OF A BARN WITH DAMAGE TO 
            OUTBUILDINGS. 

0623 PM     HAIL             2 E SPRING LAKE         41.51N 90.68W
03/31/2023  E0.75 INCH       SCOTT              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0627 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 ESE NEKOMA            41.17N 90.15W
03/31/2023                   HENRY              IL   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            4 POWER POLES BROKEN. TIME ESTIMATED FROM 
            RADAR. 

0627 PM     TSTM WND GST     1 ESE CAMANCHE          41.79N 90.26W
03/31/2023  E50 MPH          CLINTON            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            50+ MPH WINDS AND RAIN COMING IN ALL 
            DIRECTIONS SHAKING THE CAR NEAR FOLLETTS, 
            IA. 

0630 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 E DUBUQUE             42.51N 90.67W
03/31/2023                   DUBUQUE            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            LARGE TREE BLOWN DOWN. 

0630 PM     TSTM WND GST     DUBUQUE REGIONAL ARPT   42.40N 90.72W
03/31/2023  M68 MPH          DUBUQUE            IA   ASOS             

            ASOS. 

0630 PM     TORNADO          2 W GENESEO             41.45N 90.19W
03/31/2023  EF0              HENRY              IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT  

            STATE POLICE SIGHTED MOVING EAST. 

0634 PM     TSTM WND DMG     CAMBRIDGE               41.31N 90.19W
03/31/2023                   HENRY              IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            POSSIBLE TORNADO, NEAR CEMETERY. WINDS 
            GUSTING UP TO 50 MPH. DIME SIZE HAIL. 

0636 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 NNE ATKINSON          41.46N 90.00W
03/31/2023                   HENRY              IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            TORNADO POSSIBLE, DETACHED GARAGE DAMAGED. 
            SEVERAL TREE LIMBS DOWN, ONE WINDOW BROKEN 
            IN THE HOMES. DAMAGE TO FARM OUTBUILDINGS. 
            TIME OF THE EVENT ESTIMATED USING RADAR. 

0636 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 S GERMAN CORNER       41.24N 90.04W
03/31/2023                   HENRY              IL   PUBLIC           

            2 GRAIN BINS BLOWN DOWN. TIME ESTIMATED FROM 
            RADAR. 

0640 PM     NON-TSTM WND DMG 2 N DUBUQUE REGIONAL AR 42.42N 90.71W
03/31/2023                   DUBUQUE            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            POWER POLE SNAPPED AT ROOSEVELT AND PERU. 

0642 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 SSE MOUNT CARROLL     42.05N 89.95W
03/31/2023                   CARROLL            IL   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE 

            POWER POLES DOWN. POSSIBLE TORNADO DAMAGE. 

0646 PM     HEAVY RAIN       1 W BETTENDORF          41.56N 90.49W
03/31/2023  M2.00 INCH       SCOTT              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            FELL SINCE ABOUT 1PM. 

0648 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 SE DAVENPORT          41.54N 90.57W
03/31/2023                   SCOTT              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            80MPH WINDS 13TH AND MAIN IN DAVENPORT 
            BRANCHES DOWN, POWER POLE BENT AT 30 DEGREE 
            ANGLE, STORM WINDOW KNOCKED IN TO BEDROOM. 

0650 PM     TORNADO          2 N KEWANEE             41.27N 89.93W
03/31/2023                   HENRY              IL   PUBLIC           

            MET STUDENTS FROM NIU SAW THE TORNADO CROSS 
            ILLINOIS 78 NORTH OF TOWN FOLLOWED BY 
            TRANSFORMER EXPLOSIONS. 

0652 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 S SHANNON             42.10N 89.74W
03/31/2023                   CARROLL            IL   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE 

            DAMAGE TO HOMES FROM POSSIBLE TORNADO. 

0653 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 NNW NEW BEDFORD       41.57N 89.75W
03/31/2023                   BUREAU             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            MULTIPLE OUTBUILDINGS AND A DETACHED GARAGE 
            DOWN WITH SIDING DAMAGE TO A HOUSE. TIME 
            ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 

0654 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 NW MANLIUS            41.47N 89.68W
03/31/2023                   BUREAU             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR   

            TWO BUILDINGS DAMAGED; 40X50 SHED DOWN AND 
            AN 80X100 SHED WITH THE ROOF REMOVED. TIME 
            ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 

0705 PM     TSTM WND GST     3 N STOCKTON            42.40N 90.00W
03/31/2023  M51 MPH          JO DAVIESS         IL   CO-OP OBSERVER   

             

0707 PM     TSTM WND GST     4 NNE STOCKTON          42.40N 89.99W
03/31/2023  M64 MPH          JO DAVIESS         IL   TRAINED SPOTTER  

             

0714 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 NNE CEDAR RAPIDS      42.01N 91.66W
03/31/2023                   LINN               IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            1INCH DIAMETER STEEL FLAG POLE, BENT 30 
            DEGREE ANGLE AT THE BASE TREE DEBRIS BLOWN 
            FORM A DISTANCE ONTO THE PROPERTY. 

0719 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 N DUBUQUE REGIONAL AR 42.42N 90.71W
03/31/2023                   DUBUQUE            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            ASBURY AND JFK LARGE TREE BRANCH BLOCKING AN 
            ENTIRE LANE. 

0722 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 SSW HOMESTEAD         41.73N 91.89W
03/31/2023                   IOWA               IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            LOST PART OF METAL BARN ROOF CATTLE SHED 
            DESTROYED. 

0724 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 N DUBUQUE REGIONAL AR 42.42N 90.71W
03/31/2023                   DUBUQUE            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER  

            8INCH DIAMETER BRANCHES DOWN. 

Environment

The culprit to this outbreak was a potent low pressure system that developed on the morning of March 31 and tracked across the state of Iowa. This system pulled unseasonably warm and moist conditions into the Midwest, that when coupled with a very favorable wind profile created a volatile environment for severe thunderstorms. Discrete supercell thunderstorms initially occurred, but quickly transitioned into a quasi-linear area of storms resulting in additional tornadoes and severe straight-line winds.

SPC Severe Weather Event Page March 31, 2023

Figure 1: SPC 1630z Day 1 Outlook	Figure 2: SPC 1630z Day 1 Tornado Probabilities	Figure 3: SPC 1630z Day 1 Hail Probabilities
Figure 2: SPC 1630z Day 1 Wind Probabilities	Figure 5: Mesoscale Discussion	Figure 6: Mesoscale Discussion
Figure 7: Tornado Watch Area	Figure 8: 18z (1 PM CDT) DVN Sounding	Figure 9:  Loop of GOES-16 "mid-level" water vapor imagery between approximately 3:00 and 9:30 PM CDT (courtesy NWS Chicago)
Figure 10:  21Z (4 PM CDT) Surface Weather Map	Figure 11:  21Z (4 PM CDT) surface hand analysis of strengthening warm front across southeast Iowa and central Illinois, with the parent supercell of the violent tornado beginning near this time near Ottumwa, IA.	Figure 12:  23Z (6 PM CDT) surface hand analysis of "triple point" area (lower relative pressure) tracking east near I-80 as the storms evolved from tornadic supercells to a tornadic and severe wind-producing quasi-linear convective system (QLCS).

Individual Tornadoes

Tornado #1 - Martinsburg, IA Keokuk County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 03:49 PM - 4:15 PM (began 3:36 in NWS Des Moines CWA) EF Rating EF-3 Est. Peak Winds 150 mph Path Length 17.3 miles Max Width 1000 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A large, strong tornado developed in Wapello County and tracked into Keokuk County about 1 mile southeast of Martinsburg. The tornado continued to the northeast before lifting just north of Highway 92, southwest of Keota. The tornado produced EF-3 damage to a house northeast of Martinsburg, and caused additional significant damage to farmsteads and outbuildings. Track Map

Tornado #3 - Vinton, IA Benton County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 4:36 PM - 4:39 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 115 MPH Path Length 1.7 miles Max Width 50 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: The tornado developed northwest of Vinton, IA and moved northeast, producing damage to farm buildings, trees, and power poles.  Track Map

Tornado #4 - Amish to Frytown, IA Johnson County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 4:37 PM - 4:46 PM EF Rating EF-0 Est. Peak Winds 85 MPH Path Length 6.1 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: Satellite and radar data suggest that a different tornado formed. DAT points from area suggest EF0 with 85 mph winds along its 6 mile path. Width is unknown.  The storm cycled again and then produced the Coralville, IA EF-2. Track Map

Tornado #5 - Coralville to Solon, IA Johnson County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 04:48 PM - 05:08 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 125 mph Path Length 16.9 miles Max Width 75 yards Injuries/Deaths 2 / 0  Summary: A tornado developed just southwest of Coralville and crossed Hwy 218 heavily damaging the James St Warehouse near Hwy 6 in Coralville.  Several trailers and a truck were flipped over in vicinity.  A retail building also had part of a roof lifted off with several vehicles rolled or flipped.   The tornado then tracked into a residential area destroying many trees that became uprooted and snapped. At least 2 injuries were reported by emergency management.  The tornado then became more sporadic before intensifying across Coralville Reservoir. A more concentrated path begun near Sugar Bottom campground east of North Liberty tracking northeast towards Solon.  A radio tower collapses early in the track with several tree branches down as well near the tower.  A roof was lifted off of a home and partially removed northeast of the tower.  The tornado continued northeast into a field before eventually reaching another farmstead and destroying an outbuilding.  Debris from the farmstead was lofted into a field with a 2x4 driven into the ground.  The tornado continued into Solon uprooting trees, bending street signs, and destroying another outbuilding before dissipating and lifting just north of Sutliff Rd.   This tornado  track was combined with a Solon one (formerly #9). Track Map

Tornado #6 - Mount Auburn, IA Benton County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 4:47 PM - 4:54 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 115 MPH Path Length 4.8 miles Max Width 50 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A tornado produced a short path of significant tree and farm building damage, as well as damage to a home.  Track Map

Tornado #7 - Urbana, IA Benton County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 4:51 PM - 4:53 PM EF Rating EF-U Est. Peak Winds UNKNOWN MPH Path Length 1.4 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: Satellite-detected path of a tornado.  No damage seen or reported.  Track Map

Tornado #8 - Hills, IA  Johnson County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 04:53 PM - 05:08 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 mph Path Length 14.7 miles Max Width 50 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A tornado began southwest of Hills, IA moving northeast crossing Hwy 218 through the northwest portions of town, destroying several outbuildings, large trees, and trim/siding on houses. The greatest damage was seen in western portions of the town of Hills where roofs were completely torn off, siding removed from several homes and a large outbuilding destroyed. The tornado then proceeded through a wooded area with several trees snapped. It then continued northeast destroying siding and roofs on several homes on the extreme southeast side of Iowa City.  After this, sporadic damage to trees and structures were reported until the tornado ended.  Thanks to Johnson County EMA for helping with the extension of this track. Track Map

Tornado #9 - Rowley, IA Buchanan County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:03 PM - 5:05 PM EF Rating EF-U Est. Peak Winds UNKNOWN MPH Path Length 1.7 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: Satellite-detected track.  No damage noted, time based on radar. Track Map

Tornado #10 - Solon to Mount Vernon, IA Johnson County and Linn County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 05:06 PM - 05:18 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 130 mph Path Length 8.3 miles Max Width 75 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A tornado developed just northwest of Solon and moved northeast destroying and snapping several trees and a small portion of a shed roof.  A farmstead north of Solon lost 2 large outbuildings and grain silos.  Power poles were also snapped in a field.  As the tornado neared the Johnson-Linn county line, many trees were snapped or uprooted with a few rolling through the part of the adjacent field.  A house sustained minor shingle damage and broken windows.  The tornado continued and did some roof damage to another house and outbuilding before dissipating shortly thereafter.   Track Map

Tornado #11 - West Branch, IA Cedar County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:06 PM - 5:16 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 80 MPH Path Length 8.3 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: This was mainly a satellite-detected track. At the end of its path, some damage to trees were found resulting in the EF0 rating. Track Map

Tornado #12 - Tipton to Clarence IA Cedar County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:14 PM - 5:38 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 mph Path Length 16.4 miles Max Width 250 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A tornado developed northeast of West Branch, and tracked northeast through the Tipton and Clarence areas before lifting just south of the Cedar-Jones County line. The tornado tore the roof off a house just west of Tipton and uprooted large trees. The tornado also snapped power poles and caused significant damage to outbuildings.    Track Map

Tornado #13 - Tipton, IA Cedar County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:17 PM - 5:23 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 100 mph Path Length 10.5 miles Max Width 100 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A second tornado occurred northeast of West Branch and tracked through Tipton before lifting. The tornado was rated EF1 with maximum winds around 110 mph. The tornado caused house and outbuilding damage southwest of Tipton and tree damage in the city limits of Tipton. Another stronger tornado followed a similar path but displaced just to the northwest.   Track Map

Tornado #14 - Bennett, IA Cedar County and Clinton County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 05:18 PM - 05:40 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 mph Path Length 19.7 miles Max Width 200 yards Injuries/Deaths 2 / 0 Summary: An EF-2 tornado touched down 3 miles north of Atalissa, Iowa snapping power poles and large trees along its path. It caused significant damage to two homes southwest of Bennett, Iowa and flipped over a semi along interstate 80. It also damaged several concrete block silos south of Bennett. The tornado continued to track to the northeast through a rural area, causing sporadic tree damage before dissipating approximately 8 miles northeast of Bennett.  Track Map

Tornado #15 - Manchester, IA Delaware County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:20 PM - 5:28 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 110 MPH Path Length 4.1 miles Max Width 50 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: An EF1 tornado moved from 2 miles southwest of Manchester through the southeast part of town. This tornado damaged farms and trees along its path. Track Map

Tornado #16 - Oneida-Greeley, IA Delaware County Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:32 PM - 5:45 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 110 MPH Path Length 10 miles Max Width 50 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: This EF1 tornado developed southwest of Oneida and moved northeast, damaging farm outbuildings and trees along its path. The tornado crossed into Clayton County around 3 miles west of Colesburg before dissipating. Track Map

Tornado #17 - Mediapolis, IA Des Moines County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 05:41 PM - 05:43 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 mph Path Length 1.0 mile Max Width 150 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A brief tornado tracked east across the southern portions of the town of Mediapolis destroying siding and shingles on a few homes and businesses. Several large tree limbs fell on mobile homes damaging roofs and siding. The tornado dissipated quickly on the east side of town. Track Map

Tornado #18 - Wyoming, IA Jones County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:41 PM - 5:43 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 100 MPH Path Length 1.3 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: An EF-1 tornado with peak winds estimated at 100 MPH touched down south of Wyoming and moved through the east side of town damaging mainly trees with at least two trees snapped off. Twisted metal was lofted into the fire department parking lot. Track Map

Tornado #19 - Charlotte, IA Clinton County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 05:50 PM - 06:10 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 mph Path Length 18.2 miles Max Width 350 yards Injuries/Deaths 1 / 0 Summary: A strong tornado developed over the southeast parts of Grand Mound, Iowa, and tracked through Charlotte, Iowa. A continuous damage track was noted, with several damaged houses, especially in Charlotte. Highest damage rating was located northeast of Grand Mound, where a whole house was shifted off of its foundation, where the house also completely collapsed. Many areas noted tree damage and snapped power poles along the track of the tornado as well. A lot of damage was also noted in Charlotte, associated with partial to complete damage to barns and outbuildings. 3 people were trapped in the house that collapsed in Grand Mound, with one that was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Track Map

Tornado #20 - Fulton, IA Jackson County, IA Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 5:58 PM - 6:01 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 100 MPH Path Length 1.2 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: Spotter reported damage to outbuildings at two farmsteads. Eyewitnesses heard a roar.  There  was a couplet and a TDS as well.  Wind speeds and path estimated based on reports from spotters. Track Map

Tornado #21 - Andrew, IA Jackson County, IA Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 06:09 PM - 06:10 PM EF Rating EF-0 Est. Peak Winds 75 mph Path Length 0.1 mile Max Width 15 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A shed roof and walls were destroyed and blown in a narrow path to 184th street where a narrow path of tree damage occurred. Surrounding the path of shed and trees were undamaged areas.    Track Map

Tornado #22 - Bellevue, IA Jackson County, IA and Jo Daviess County, IL Date 03/31/2023  Time (Local) 06:16 PM - 06:19 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 105 mph Path Length 5.2 miles Max Width 100 yards Injuries/Deaths 3 / 0 Summary: Brief touchdown just south of Bellevue, tracking northeast across the Mississippi river. This tornado impacted an RV park and some cabins located nearby. Some structural damage was noted, with some RVs that were flipped and damaged. Several trees within the area were also impacted, with some uprooted. Three (3) injuries were noted with this tornado. Track Map

Tornado #23 - Geneseo, IL Henry County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 06:24 PM - 06:28 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 135 mph Path Length 3.6 miles Max Width 300 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0  Summary: A strong tornado developed a few miles southwest of Geneseo, IL and tracked into the west side of town. Ground scouring was noted in the path through the fields, heading towards town. Within the town, several structures were damaged to destroyed including: farms, businesses, and warehouses. Several vehicles and trees were also damaged in the path of the tornado. Track Map

Tornado #24 - Atkinson, IL Henry County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 06:33 PM - 06:37 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 110 mph Path Length 3.1 miles Max Width 200 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: A brief, yet strong tornado tracked north of Atkinson, IL for a few miles, leading to tree damage and damage to farmsteads. Total destruction occurred to one of the outbuildings, with debris scattered throughout the nearby fields.    Track Map

Tornado #25 - Hooppole IL Henry County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 06:36 PM - 06:47 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 mph Path Length 9.8 miles Max Width 440 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary:  A strong tornado developed north of Atkinson and tracked northeast towards Hooppole, then tracking more easterly for another mile. For the most part, this tornado was around 200 yards wide, but maxed out at 440 yards just south of Hooppole. At the start of the path, a house sustained some damage, with more damage done to the brick grain silo and outbuilding. As the tornado tracked northeast, another outbuilding was damaged, with plenty of damage done to trees along the path. As the track gets to the south part of town, more outbuildings and barns were damaged, with a house that sustained substantial damage, losing its roof. Near the end of the path, another grain silo collapsed. Track Map

Tornado #26 - Kewanee, IL Henry County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 6:37 PM - 6:43 PM EF Rating EF-2 Est. Peak Winds 120 MPH Path Length 6.7 miles Max Width 650 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: This EF-2 tornado touched down west-southwest of Kewanee, where it damaged farm buildings and power poles. The tornado continued through the north side of Kewanee, where it primarily damaged trees and sheds. It continued to the northeast of Kewanee with more significant tree and power pole damage. Track Map

Tornado #27 - Mount Carroll, IL Carroll County Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 6:39 PM - 6:42 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 110 MPH Path Length 1.0 miles Max Width UNKNOWN yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: Satellite-detected track with confirmed powerline damage. Track Map

Tornado #28 - Deer Grove, IL Bureau County, Whiteside County, and Lee County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 06:48 PM - 7:01 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 110 mph Path Length 13.9 miles Max Width 150 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: This tornado began just south of Illinois highway 92 in northwest Bureau county in the NWS Quad Cities county warning area. It then tracked through far southeast Whiteside county within 3 miles of the town of Deer Grove. This tornado would continue for 6 additional miles into southwest Lee County (NWS Chicago CWA) where it dissipated near Maytown Road and Atkinson Road. The damage from this tornado included numerous heavily damaged outbuildings, several snapped power poles, and dozens of trees. The worst damage was to a large farmstead outbuilding on the Whiteside and Bureau County border area, with the roof and two of the four walls destroyed and debris slung well into a field. Track Map

Tornado #29 - Lanark IL to Baileyville IL Carroll County, Ogle County, and Stephenson County, IL Date 03/31/2023 Time (Local) 6:50 PM - 7:02 PM EF Rating EF-1 Est. Peak Winds 100 MPH Path Length 11.1 miles Max Width 200 yards Injuries/Deaths 0 / 0 Summary: This tornado began southeast of Lanark in Carroll County and tracked into northwestern Ogle County before lifting shortly after crossing Montague Rd west of Baileyville into Stephenson County. This tornado caused extensive damage to several farm buildings and also downed a few trees along its path. Track Map

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:

EF0 Weak 65-85 mph	EF1 Moderate 86-110 mph	EF2 Significant 111-135 mph	EF3 Severe 136-165 mph	EF4 Extreme 166-200 mph	EF5 Catastrophic 200+ mph

Research & More

NWS Quad Cities Research & Presentations on March 31, 2023:

• The March 31, 2023 Tornado Outbreak - Matthew Friedlein, Timothy Gunkel, & Zachary Uttech as part of a collaborative presentation with NWS Des Moines and NWS Duluth. Central Iowa National Weather Association (NWA) Severe Storms and Doppler Radar Conference Oral Presentation -  Ankeny, IA, March 2024.

• Science-to-Service Methods During a Violent Tornado in Southeast Iowa During the Historic 31 March - 01 April 2023 Tornado Outbreak - Zachary Uttech & Matthew Friedlein. American Meteorological Society (AMS) Oral Presentation -  Baltimore, MD, February 2024.

• Early Season Historic Tornado Outbreak Across Iowa and Illinois 31 March 2023 (7-Minute Video Summary) - Zachary Uttech, Matthew Friedlein, & Alex Gibbs. National Weather Association (NWA) Showcase Presentation - Kansas City, MO, September 2023.

Other NWS Office Recaps of March 31-April 1:

• Central Iowa  (NWS Des Moines)

• North Central & Northeast Illinois  (NWS Chicago)

• Central Illinois  |   StoryMap  (NWS Lincoln)

• Southern Wisconsin  |   StoryMap  (NWS Milwaukee)

• Central Arkansas   (NWS Little Rock)

• Eastern Arkansas, Western Tennessee, and Northern Mississippi  |   StoryMap  (NWS Memphis)

• Central Tennessee  (NWS Nashville)

• Northern Indiana  (NWS Northern Indiana)

• Central Indiana  (NWS Indianapolis)

• Southeast Michigan  (NWS Detroit)

• Western and Central Ohio  (NWS Wilmington, OH)

• Mid-Atlantic  (NWS Philadelphia)