DES MOINES, Iowa- Chain saws can be heard in many communities across Iowa, after a large cluster of very strong thunderstorms rolled through today (Monday). The National Weather Service in Des Moines says some areas recorded 60, 70, 80, even 90 mile per hour winds, with a couple of isolated 100-plus mile per hour reports.
Storms caused downed power lines, causing hundreds of thousands of power outages across the state. MidAmerican Energy, and Alliant Energy are both reporting extensive power outages.
There are also reports of damage to buildings in cities and rural areas.
(Thanks to Bonnie Lucas for the tree damage picture from Jasper County!)