During the afternoon of May 22nd, severe thunderstorms developed along a cold front as it moved through northeast Iowa. These severe thunderstorms produced three confirmed tornadoes. The first tornado occurred in Howard County and was rated an EF2. The second (EF1) and third (EF0) tornadoes both occurred in Fayette County. Significant damage occurred between Chester (Howard County) and Lime Springs (Howard County) where several farms had buildings completely destroyed or significantly damaged. Three minor injuries occurred with the Howard County tornado. Around 850 customers were without power after the storms moved through in Howard County. Damages were estimated to be almost $700 thousand.

Tornado in HOWARD, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 13:33:00 to 22-MAY-11 14:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: RICEVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 525.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado first caused some damage about 3 miles north of State Highway 9 north of Riceville. The tornado almost immediately strengthen to EF1 as it moved northeast. Several farms had outbuildings destroyed, widespread tree damage occurred and several homes had partial or complete roof damage. As the tornado passed south of Chester, it increased to its maximum width and strength. The tornado remained at EF2 strength as it crossed the state line into Fillmore County Minnesota. The tornado passed through rural portions of the county affecting around a dozen farms with only three minor injuries occurring. Around 850 customers were loss power as a result of the storms. Damages were estimated to be around $500 thousand.

Tornado in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 14:37:00 to 22-MAY-11 14:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTGATE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 175.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was the first of two tornadoes to hit Fayette County. This tornado tracked east-northeast across the western part of the county. The tornado snapped off or uprooted numerous trees and damaged several homes, barns and grain bins.

Tornado in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 15:01:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRAINARD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was the second tornado to affect Fayette County. It was only in the ground for a couple of minutes as it crossed over County Road B64 between West Union and Elgin. For the short time the tornado was on the ground, it caused some roofing damage to a home and barn and snapped off several trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 15:05:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRAINARD
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A swath of wind damage was found northwest of Elgin where several trees were blown down. A barn was also pushed over and a silo was damaged by the high winds.

Hail in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 15:24:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELGIN
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Funnel Cloud in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 15:42:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: WADENA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 15:22:00 to 22-MAY-11 15:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELGIN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 22-MAY-11 14:43:00 to 22-MAY-11 14:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST UNION
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 65.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A fifth wheel camper was picked up and turned upside down by straight line winds from a severe thunderstorm. The winds also partially removed the metal roof off a large machine shed. Golf ball sized hail also fell that broke the siding on a house.