Photo credit: Angela Cress Whetstine

Three tornadoes were confirmed in the KCII listening area during a series of storms the morning of Friday, May 24. The official results were reported by the National Weather Service Quad Cities Office with assistance from emergency management in Washington, Keokuk, and Johnson counties. 

The first, and shortest tornado began at 5:56 a.m. and lasted just two minutes. A survey found damage consistent with an EF-1 tornado northwest of Delta in Keokuk County. This carried winds with an estimated peak of 110 mph, traveled 1.59 miles, and reached a maximum width of 70 yards. 

The second EF-1 tornado developed southwest of Wellman in Washington County at approximately 6:26 a.m. Lasting 22 minutes, it moved northeast through the Amish and Frytown areas in Johnson County. In all, the path was 18.06 miles. The Wellman/Frytown tornado also had estimated peak winds of 110 miles per hour and a slightly larger width at 100 yards. 

At 6:50 a.m., the final tornado developed east of Riverside in Washington County and moved rapidly northeast. Passing through southeast Johnson County to near West Branch, this was the longest tornado in terms of length at 18.09 miles, and time at 24 minutes. Rated as an EF-1, peak winds reached 100 mph and the maximum width was 100 yards. 

There were no injuries or deaths reported from any of these tornadoes, but some damage done to trees and outbuildings. KCII had live coverage of the storms with its Severe Weather Action Team. The one to count on for severe weather coverage is AM and FM KCII.