Two Tornadoes Confirmed in Linn County on Friday

Two tornadoes have been confirmed to have touched down in Linn County on Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service says a storm survey has confirmed a tornado tracked through portions of Benton and Linn counties – southwest of Center Point. It has been rated an EF-1, with peak winds estimated at 95 miles per hour and a maximum width of 250 yards. It was on the ground for four minutes and nearly four and a half miles. The tornado tracked through some rural homes and wooded areas in far eastern Benton County and far western Linn County. Damage was mainly to trees, including numerous trees that were uprooted or snapped – though a few homes and garages had roof damage. The tornado ended at the south end of Center Point. The National Weather Service says damage in Center Point appears to be caused by straight-line winds. 

A storm survey has also confirmed a second tornado tracked through portions of Linn County Friday afternoon, staying north of Alburnett and west-southwest of Central City. It was rated an EF-2 tornado, with peak winds estimated at 120 mph and a maximum width of 300 yards. It was on the ground for seven minutes, traveling nearly seven miles. The National Weather Service says the tornado intensified rapidly after developing. The tornado downed a dozen large trees at a homestead, with heavy damage to an outbuilding, garage and the roof of the home. Other homes and farmsteads had outbuilding damage, along with utility poles downed and trees snapped.

images courtesy of NWS