Winds reached 300 mph in Greenfield, Iowa, tornado

The May tornado may have produced some of the highest winds on record.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
August 2, 2024 at 8:33PM

“Paul, are winds stronger in a tornado or hurricane?” Not even close. Although rare and brief, tornadoes produce the strongest winds on Earth.

The American Meteorological Society reports that a portable Doppler on wheels based at the University of Illinois was near Greenfield, Iowa, on May 21 when it was hit by a massive tornado.

It may have produced some of the highest winds on record. It was ranked as an EF-4 tornado, but the EF scale is based on the structural damage a tornado leaves, not radar or instrument measurements. The portable Doppler measuring the windfield closer to the ground found winds of 270 mph with gusts to 318. Incredible!

Tropical storm Debby may hit the Gulf Coast of Florida tomorrow and stall over Georgia or South Carolina. The primary threat once again is flooding rains.

Feeling better about our forecast: upper 80s today with a few thunderstorms tonight into Monday, followed by some free A/C next week (a couple days with highs in the 70s).

We usually dry out in August. Maybe not this year?

about the writer

Paul Douglas

Columnist

Paul Douglas is a nationally-respected meteorologist, with 40 years of broadcast television and radio experience. He provides daily print and online weather services for the Star Tribune.

See More

More from Weather

Lawns and gardens will continue to dry out, with very little precipitation expected in the next five to seven days.