Severe storms with high winds and large hail impacted parts of the area Wednesday July 18th. The areas most impacted were Dodge, Mower and Fillmore counties. The cause of the storms was an eastward moving boundary into a very warm unstable airmass. A cell that developed in Central Dodge County near Dodge Center quickly became severe and pushed southeast into southern parts of the county. The first reported severe weather was from the  Hayfield area reported hail to the size of 1.50″ This is the second time this month Hayfield was hit with a significant storm. The storm continued pushing southeast into Mower and Fillmore counties, where it turned mainly into a high wind event. Wind damage was reported around Spring Valley with multiple trees down as well as minor structural damage from wind. The storm continued enveloping southeast into Iowa where it turned into a very severe wind producing squall line. On a brighter note. Severe drought stricken areas in the south received around 0.50 to 1.00″ of rain from this same storm.

Severe Storm Reports

Hayfield 1.50″ Hail

Spring Valley Tree branches down. Damage to park pavilion and apartment building.  

Other Reports

Dexter 0.88″ hail

1 mile W Grand Meadow 50MPH gust

1 mile S Racine 50MPH with  0.50″ hail


Preston Airport 49MPH wind gust


Harmony 53MPH wind gust.