Tornadoes Verified in Linn County Occurred on Friday
**Tornadoes Strike Benton and Linn Counties in Iowa**
Last Friday afternoon, two tornadoes swept through Benton and Linn Counties in Iowa, causing significant damage in their paths.
The first tornado was reported west-southwest of Center Point in Benton County. It tore through rural areas and wooded regions near the Cedar River, causing extensive tree damage. Uprooted and snapped trees were common, and some homes and garages also suffered roof damage. However, the damage within Center Point itself seemed to be the result of straight-line winds rather than the tornado[1].
In Linn County, an EF2 tornado was confirmed between Center Point and Alburnett. This tornado had peak winds of 120 mph and was on the ground for approximately 6.75 miles. According to another report, it was on the ground for about seven minutes, with a maximum width of 300 yards[2][5].
The second tornado in Linn County caused damage mainly to trees, with some roof damage to rural homes and garages. Notably, a dozen large trees were downed at a homestead, causing heavy damage to an outbuilding, garage, and the roof of the home[3].
Additional reports indicated damaging winds in the area, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph in Newhall and 45 mph in Shellsburg[1].
Images provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) show the aftermath of the tornadoes, with fallen trees and damaged structures[4].
[1] - https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2021/07/11/iowa-tornado-watch-severe-thunderstorm-watch-issued-across-central-iowa-des-moines-area/7909162002/ [2] - https://www.nws.noaa.gov/saf/data/watch/TOR062121_TOR.html [3] - https://www.nws.noaa.gov/saf/data/watch/TOR062121_TOR.html [4] - Images courtesy of NWS [5] - https://www.nws.noaa.gov/saf/data/watch/TOR062121_TOR.html
- KMCH reported that the weather-forecasting service confirmed an EF2 tornado in Linn County, causing extensive damage with peak winds of 120 mph.
- Local residents received news of a tornado in Benton County, west-southwest of Center Point, which tore through rural areas and wooded regions, causing extensive tree damage and some roof damage to homes and garages.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) provided images showing the aftermath of the tornadoes, with fallen trees and damaged structures in Benton and Linn Counties.
