Image of tornado captured near Coralville, Iowa March 31, 2023Photo: National Weather Service-Quad Cities
(Davenport, IA) -- National Weather Service storm survey crews continue to assess damage from Friday's severe weather outbreak. The NWS-Quad Cities has confirmed 14 tornadoes in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Tim Gross of the NWS Office in Davenport says it's likely the final tally will be closer to 20. There were several injuries but no known fatalities.
The strongest tornado was an E-4 with a wind speed of 170 miles per hour. It started near Ottumwa in Wapello County and was on the ground for more than one hour, going thru Keokuk, Washington, and part of Johnson counties.
The NWS has published a complete list of tornadoes from March 31, 2023.
The Red Cross in Iowa housed eight people in a temporary shelter in Coralville. Josh Murray of the Red Cross says Iowans can help those impacted by the storms by donating to the Red Cross. He says they're also always looking for volunteers to go thru training and help in disaster response efforts in Iowa and out of state.