Power Outage in Sergeant Bluff, IA

Law enforcement reported trees and power lines down from a period of high non-thunderstorm winds 1 mile south-southeast of Salix, IA.

Freezing rain overnight and through the morning resulted in ice accumulation of a quarter to half inch, especially on elevated surfaces, including powerlines. Brief power outages were reported. Snowfall developed later morning and through the afternoon, and accumulated to 3.0 inches at Sioux City. Slick roadways resulted in several accidents. An (indirect) fatality occurred on eastbound U.S. Highway 20 west of Moville shortly after 1200CST, when the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle left the road and rolled several times. Around the onset time of the freezing rain during the evening of November 9, more than 200 ducks were killed when they confused wet and ice-covered Highway 20 for wetlands and were hit by passing vehicles. Property damage costs are rough estimates.

Around 1200LST, a spark from a combine in harvest operations ignited a fire around two miles south of the intersection of county highway D38 and Lee Avenue. Explosive northward spread occurred due to dry crops and southerly winds which gusted to over 40 mph. The fire crossed several roads, consuming over 3000 acres of crops, numerous power poles, a semi-truck and a few pieces of farm equipment. At the peak, around 1200 acres were engulfed in flame. Area farmers plowed fire breaks, and fire departments from seven surrounding communities were activated to protect residences. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. Crop damage estimates computed from crop value and destroyed acreage.

Hazardous travel conditions producing several minor accidents resulted from a period of light freezing rain which brought ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. Light snowfall followed with less than an inch accumulation. Several power outages were reported around the Sioux City metro area.

Rain changed to snow around 0000CST January 22, with northwest winds increasing during the early morning to a gusty 35 to 45 mph. Frequent wind gusts along with heavy falling snow produced near zero visibility starting before daybreak, which continued into late afternoon. Schools were closed across the area on January 22, and Sioux City closed public buildings. Two jackknifed semi-trucks blocked Highway 20 east of Sioux City around 1200CST, about which time a tow ban was issued across all of northwest Iowa. The wind and snowfall caused 70 power outages around Sioux City, affecting around 800 customers. Winds peaked midday with a gust to 44 mph at Sioux Gateway airport. Weather conditions gradually improved toward 1700CST, but travel was not advised well into Monday night. Total snowfall was measured at 12.1 inches at Sioux City.

Freezing rain of over a quarter inch caused icy roads, and accumulated on trees, power lines, and other surfaces. Sioux City police and other law enforcement agencies reported a few vehicles accidents on the ice, but no known injuries, with traffic being light because of the holiday, business closings, and activity cancellations. Light winds limited damage to trees and power lines, with only small branches breaking off.

High winds from a westerly direction followed a low pressure system which had brought Christmas Day rain and thunderstorms. There were several reports of power lines, branches, and large limbs down and resulting power outages. Traffic lights and some signs were damaged. The winds included a measured gust of 61 mph at Sioux City Airport.

Westerly winds behind a cold front reach sustained speed of 40 to 45 mph for a few hours. A gust to 52 mph was measured near Moville. The high winds caused spotty power line and traffic light damage.

Thunderstorm winds caused tree damage, including at least one tree blown down onto a power line.

Thunderstorm winds caused widespread tree damage, including several large trees and numerous branches blown down. Some of the tree debris blocked roads and caused minor damage to homes. The winds also blew down power lines, causing a power outage, and blew part of a freight train off its tracks.

Freezing rain produced ice accumulations of around a quarter inch. Travel and walking were made extremely hazardous and difficult. Damage to trees and power lines was reported, and there were scattered power outages. Downed power lines and poles blocked at least one intersection in Sioux City.

High winds sustained at 40 to 45 mph and gusting to around 60 mph caused damage to trees and power lines. Brief power outages were reported in the Sioux City area from trees and tree debris hitting power lines.

Thunderstorm winds tore the roof off a modular house. The winds also caused tree damage, damaged power poles, and blew down trees and power lines.

Thunderstorm winds caused tree damage, with branches and other tree debris littering streets. The winds also blew down power lines and caused power outages.

A thunderstorm produced damaging winds that blew down power lines at Danbury in Woodbury County in northwest Iowa during the evening of July 5th.