Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Central U.S.; Heat Building in the Western U.S.

A cold front pressing east across the central U.S. will be the focus for areas of strong to severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall through this weekend. Strong to severe thunderstorms my bring damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes while excessive rainfall may lead to areas of flooding. Heat will build across the western U.S. with heat-related watches, warnings, and advisories issued. Read More >

Polk County EF-3 Tornado - June 20, 2011

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Photos Courtesy of the National Weather Service Hastings Staff

This power second EF3 tornado of the day touched down approximately 4 miles east of Polk at 6:02 p.m. CDT and continued north for nearly 9.5 miles before lifting approximately 6 miles west-northwest of Osceola at 6:20 p.m. CDT. Damage was noted right at the start of the path, with a brick home on Highway 66 west of Polk suffering significant roof, window and tree damage, and a semi-truck and trailer were knocked over onto its side. About 2 miles north of Highway 66, a residence suffered minor tree damage and lost an outbuilding, and a combine was tossed about 100 yards into a field. As the tornado continued north, numerous power poles were snapped, irrigation pivots were overturned, and crops were stripped from the ground. The most significant damage occurred when a farmstead on Highway 92 approximately 6 miles west of Osceola took a direct hit. The home as well as surrounding outbuildings and trees were either destroyed or suffered significant damage. A car, tractor, and an ATV were thrown from their original locations into the field just north of the home. The tornado finally lifted approximately 2 miles north of the intersection of Highways 92 and 39, but not before striking another farmstead, destroying an outbuilding and garage, and damaging a machine shed and barn. The maximum wind speed of this tornado was estimated to be 140 miles per hour.


House damage approximately 4 E of Polk.	Tree damage approximately 4 E of Polk.	Semi overturned approximately 4 E of Polk.

Thankfully the dog was unharmed.	House damage approximately 4 E of Polk.	Outbuilding damage approximately 4 E of Polk.

House damage west of Osceola on Highway 92.	Damage to farmstead west of Osceola on Highway 92.	Tree damage west of Osceola on Highway 92.

Damage to equipment west of Osceola on Highway 92.	Tree damage west of Osceola on Highway 92.	Damage to famstead west of Osceola on Highway 92.