A very unstable airmass on May 19, 2013 led to the development of severe thunderstorms that produced large hail and damaging winds. Temperatures were in the 80s with dewpoints around 70 with a mid level speed maximum rotating around the base of a developing upper low in the Plains states. This increased the deep layer shear during the afternoon and evening hours.  Some of the storms produced golf to baseball size hail and 70 to 80 mph winds.  A trained spotter reported baseball size hail knocked out sky lights at the Walmart store in northeast Keokuk. Golfball to baseball size hail was reported on the north end of the city, with nickel to quarter size hail on the south end of the city.  A downburst produced wind damage in Benton county from the county line 3.5 miles southeast of Blairstown to 2.8 miles southeast of Shellsburg. There was a mile wide swath of near continuous damage to farm outbuildings, tree branches and some power poles. The greatest damage was from 3 miles south of Newhall, where a machine shed and garage were completely destroyed, to about 3 miles northwest of Atkins, where significant damage occurred to outbuildings.  The emergency manager in Buchanan county reported a downburst with winds more than 70 mph struck Independence, Iowa. The northwest side of town sustained the most damage with trees down, power poles snapped and signs blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:31:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: KALONA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter estimated winds of 65 to 70 mph.

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:04:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALCOTT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Relayed by Scott County Sheriff's office.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:55:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported tin everywhere, a grain bin in a field, power lines down and several trees 1 foot or greater in diameter uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:52:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: (CID)CEDAR RAPIDS AR
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS near Cedar Rapids measured 70 mph winds.

Hail in JEFFERSON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 19:20:00 to 19-MAY-13 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOCKRIDGE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report relayed by the sheriff's office.

Hail in WASHINGTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 19:54:00 to 19-MAY-13 19:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST CHESTER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported golf ball size hail near Ainsworth.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 20:10:00 to 19-MAY-13 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: WASHINGTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer reported 3 inch diameter tree limbs down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:58:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARION
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter measured 65 mph winds.

Hail in LEE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:25:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEOKUK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in LEE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:28:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEOKUK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:48:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: BETTENDORF
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:50:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: PANORAMA PARK
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:47:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIDDLETOWN
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter measured 65 mph with half of the town without power.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported two trees down in Monticello.

Thunderstorm Wind in IOWA, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:20:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH ENGLISH
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported widespread wind damage at North English, Millersburg, Parnell and Williamsburg.  The damage occurred between 1020 pm and 1035 pm.

Lightning in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:45:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: LENOX PARK
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A garage was struck by lightning at 2640 South Main Street in Burlington resulting in a structure fire.

Hail in DUBUQUE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:42:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUBUQUE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Pea to nickel size reported by a spotter.

Thunderstorm Wind in MUSCATINE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 11:10:00 to 19-MAY-13 11:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MUSCATINE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Peak wind gust measured by the Muscatine ASOS.

Thunderstorm Wind in JOHNSON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:30:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: IOWA CITY
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported widespread wind damage across much of Johnson county which occurred between 1030 and 1100 pm.  A tree was blown over onto Interstate 80 near mile marker 231.  Winds were estimated at 65 to 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in KEOKUK, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:00:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIGOURNEY
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported widepread wind damage across Keokuk county which occurred between 10 pm and 1020 pm.  Transmission lines were snapped near and east of Sigourney along with some buildings damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUCHANAN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 20:26:00 to 19-MAY-13 20:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: INDEPENDENCE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported wind gust of 66 mph.

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:34:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Pea to quarter size hail west side of Davenport near Kimberly Road and Fairmont Avenue.

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:28:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail reported at 112th Avenue and U.S. 61 in Davenport via Facebook.

Hail in LEE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:00:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEOKUK
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter reported baseball size hail knocked out sky lights at the Walmart store in northeast Keokuk. Golfball to baseball size hail was reported on the north end of the city, with nickel to quarter size hail on the south end of the city.

Hail in JEFFERSON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 19:30:00 to 19-MAY-13 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOUR CORNERS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter reported pea to quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:04:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Wind damage to farm outbuildings in a southwest to northeast path in the Atkins and Shellsburg area.  Reported by a Cedar Rapids media employee residing in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 18:00:00 to 19-MAY-13 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAQUOKETA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple 1 foot diameter trees were snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:40:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported widespread wind damage across Linn county which occurred between 1040 pm and 1115 pm.  There was tree damage in Cedar Rapids and three large road signs were blown down on Interstate 380 near Wright Brothers exit.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:40:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A large tree limb was blown down over power lines near the Davenport Airport.

Hail in CLINTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 12:30:00 to 19-MAY-13 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOOSE LAKE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Pea to dime size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUCHANAN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 20:20:00 to 19-MAY-13 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: INDEPENDENCE
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 60 mph winds near the Highway 20 exit on the west side of Independence.

Hail in LEE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:34:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOOAR
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter reported nickel size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in DELAWARE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:20:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: DELHI
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported power lines down between Delaware and Delhi and a tree was down across the highway just west of Manchester.

Thunderstorm Wind in DELAWARE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROBINSON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Sheriff's Department reported a camper blown over on top of a truck on 300th Street.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUCHANAN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 20:35:00 to 19-MAY-13 20:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: INDEPENDENCE ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

AWOS measured 58 mph winds at Independence.

Hail in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:05:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: LENOX PARK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Spotter forwarded pictures of golfball size hail from a friend in Burlington.

Hail in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:06:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURLINGTON ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:29:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Pea to quarter size hail reported along with wind gusts over 45 mph.

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:42:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: BETTENDORF
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:54:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: COVINGTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a large tree down in a yard on Carter street near Plainview and Cedar.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:50:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported numerous trees down along with metal in fields from warehouse structures.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:04:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALCOTT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report relayed by the Scott county sheriff's office.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:32:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST LAKE PARK
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter reported 56 mph wind gusts along with nickel size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in DELAWARE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:25:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAILEYS FORD PARK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's department reported a 40 by 50 foot shed had been lifted and dropped onto 180th Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind in DELAWARE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:28:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAILEYS FORD PARK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's department reported a roof blown off a pole barn.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUCHANAN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 20:35:00 to 19-MAY-13 20:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: INDEPENDENCE
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported a downburst with winds more than 70 mph struck Independence. The northwest side of town sustained the most damage with trees down, power poles snapped and signs blown down.

Hail in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:07:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: LENOX PARK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

East of the Burlington Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:55:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATKINS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A downburst produced wind damage from the county line 3.5 miles southeast of Blairstown to 2.8 miles southeast of Shellsburg. There was a mile wide swath of near continuous damage to farm outbuildings, tree branches and some power poles. The greatest damage was from 3 miles south of Newhall, where a machine shed and garage were completely destroyed, to about 3 miles northwest of Atkins, where significant damage occurred to outbuildings.

Hail in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:08:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURLINGTON ARPT
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:07:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: LENOX PARK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported live power lines down on a vehicle at 114 South Marshall Street in Burlington.

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:30:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Hail in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:28:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST LAKE PARK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Golfball size hail reported by a NWS employee about 0.5 mile west of West Lake Park.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:41:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT ARPT
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A peak wind gust of 56 mph was measured by the Davenport Airport ASOS.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 17:42:00 to 19-MAY-13 17:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAVENPORT ARPT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Trees were reported down along Division Street to Central Park Avenue to 35th street in Davenport.  The street was blocked by the fallen trees at some locations.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:50:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter measured 65 mph winds with numerous trees down and metal in fields from warehouse structures.

Thunderstorm Wind in BENTON, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:50:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHELLSBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported trees snapped off damaging a few mobile homes in a trailer park.

Thunderstorm Wind in DUBUQUE, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:50:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASBURY
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter measured 60 to 70 mph winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:52:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported several large trees uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, IOWA
From 20-MAY-13 18:10:00 to 20-MAY-13 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEOKUK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported tree limbs down eastern Lee county.

Thunderstorm Wind in IOWA, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:31:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLIAMSBURG
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported 60 mph winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 21:51:00 to 19-MAY-13 21:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter estimated winds between 70 to 80 mph.  Power out for 6.5 hours. Several large trees were uprooted, 6 inch branches broken and multiple garbage carts weighting 150 lbs blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENRY, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:00:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW LONDON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a 10 inch partially rotted tree branch blown down at Chestnut and McKinley. A 4 inch health branch was blown down on the road near 300 East Cleveland in New London.

Hail in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:09:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURLINGTON ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 16:09:00 to 19-MAY-13 16:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURLINGTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Dime size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINN, IOWA
From 19-MAY-13 22:12:00 to 19-MAY-13 22:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: PARIS
Magnitude: 66.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter measured 76 mph winds from an anemometer before the equipment broke. Large trees were blown down.