Yesterday, prior to the storms arriving in the Scott county area, Scott County Emergency Management activated its trained weather spotters. Belle Plaine Fire Department was also activated for weather spotting.
At approximately 4:16 p.m., a spotter recorded a wind gust at 85 mph near the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 19. Minutes later, another spotter measured a wind gust at 85 mph in the town of Union Hill.
Later into the evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning for a radar-indicated rotation.
Hail was reported in a number of communities across Scott County and sporadic wind damage occurred in the southwest corner of the county.
This morning, Scott County Emergency Management and the NWS spent several hours conducting a site survey of the impacted area. Damage to power poles and structures on the south side of Highway 19 was consistent with severe straight line winds was identified.
The NWS Storm Assessment Team completed its survey of northern Le Sueur County through Scott County and concluded damages were caused by downburst winds of up to 85 MPH. However, NO evidence of tornadic damage was found.
“The early warning provided by the weather spotters enabled quick activation of the outdoor warning sirens allowing the residents of the communities downwind time to seek shelter,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen.
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Substation near Harlow and 220th Street in Sand Creek Twp
Tree in New Prague gas station lot
Utility poles near 271st Avenue South of Hwy 19
Utility poles near 271st Avenue South of Hwy 19
Farm building near ball field in Union Hill
Farm building near ball field in Union Hill
Building South of 286th in Belle Plaine
Hail in Elko New Market
Hail in Elko New Market