3/31 Storms -- Another Round Expected

Yesterday saw the strong low pressure system work into the area and produce numerous showers and thunderstorms over the state. Some of which were severe and even tornado warned throughout the afternoon. Storm reports from the state mainly conclude that large hail and damaging winds were the main threats with the storms. Several of the storms had small hail with them, largest report in the state came in at 1.5 inches. Damaging winds were apparent with a line that moved through portions of central/eastern Iowa, no significant damaging wind reports were received. There were nearly a dozen or so tornado warnings issued yesterday for storms that showed rotation within the lower levels. None of those storms in Iowa ended up producing a tornado, however there were several reports of funnels with these storms that attempted to make it to the ground.

I did head out for a little joyride around Ames yesterday in the late afternoon as a broken line of showers/thunderstorms were heading over. Did get some slight rotation with the storm as it tried to get things together. But, nothing significant appeared throughout the storms life, although a fellow chaser did report a funnel spotter near Ames just as I was heading out. Shot a few pictures of the storm more as a test to the camera than to capture something interesting.

March 31 Gallery Page

As for the work week ahead, warm temperatures make their way in one last push tomorrow with highs in the upper 50s to the lower 70s from north to south. A strong cold front will push across the state during the evening hours and produce some thunderstorm activity across the state, a small severe threat exists with the current forecast. By Tuesday you can really see the fronts' movement across the state with the northwest only reaching the lower 40s for highs with the southeast still potentially seeing some 60 degree readings before the front passes through. Wednesday and Thursday have temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 across the state, lows during that time expected in the 20 to 30 range. By the end of the week some moderation in temperatures begins with highs from the mid 40s to mid 50s and lows begin to stay just above freezing.