The Des Moines National Weather Service office conducted a severe weather call and webinar today to discuss the severe weather expected to impact the state.
The Winds that Struck Pella this morning were caused by a rare meteorological event, called a heat burst. Jim Lee with the National Weather Service explains that a heat burst occurs when a thunderstorm collapses and a dry layer of air heats up as its pulled downward. The burst are common in the high plains, but uncommon in Iowa. Still, they do happen a heat burst in Southwest Iowa last year produced 100 mph winds.
KNIA/KRLS brings you severe weather coverage to keep you safe when strong thunderstorms and tornadoes hit our area. But we rely on information from the National Weather Service among other groups to bring you the information you need to know during severe weather.