Tornadoes in Western Iowa, Windy in the NE

AVOCA, Iowa (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed that some farm damage near Avoca in western Iowa was caused by a tornado.

The service said Wednesday night that a survey team examined the damage and video recordings before rating the twister an EF-1, with winds ranging from 86 to 110 mph.

The service says the tornado touched down Wednesday afternoon in a cornfield west-southwest of Avoca and moved northeast, toppling a semitrailer on Interstate 80 and damaging outbuildings on several farmsteads. No injuries have been reported.

The twister was spawned by a fast-moving storm system that dropped nearly a foot of snow on the Rockies before heading east. It dumped snow where it met cold enough air and loosed rain and even hail elsewhere. Winds gusting to 60 mph accompanied the system.

The national weather service has issued a Wind Advisory for Northeast Iowa, effective until 6pm tonight (Thursday).  Winds will be from the northwest at 25 to 30 mph, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph.  The high winds will make difficult travel for high profile vehicles.  Also, isolated power outages are possible.