Residents in Grinnell, Kellogg, and Newton, as well as neighboring communities, experienced severe weather the conditions were right for massive hail, damaging winds, and broken homes. Here’s the overview of what occurred:
- What: Hail, Thunderstorms
- When: May 7, 2023
- Where: Grinnell, Kellogg, and Newton, Iowa
What started as a mild thunderstorm quickly intensified into a massive hailstorm causing damage to siding, roofs, windows, and vehicles. The storm, complete with mighty winds, blew over trailers and other farm equipment in the area creating blockages in roads. Wind gusts were reported near 80 mph!
Hail quickly increased from dime and quarter sized to baseball and tennis ball giants plummeting homes and local businesses alike. The sound of this storm was reminiscent of a tornado, as one resident recalls.
What does this mean for homes?
Minor hail storms of ice chunks nearly 1” in diameter can create complications that will need to be repaired quickly. If delayed, the next major storm could exacerbate the damage. This damage includes:
- Dents in shingles
- Bruising of underlayment
- Dents in gutters
- Broken gutters
- Cracked siding
- Holes in windows
- Ripped screen doors
Larger hail near the size of tennis balls and baseballs, like what Grinnell and surrounding communities experienced, can create much more severe damage. These include, but are not limited to,
- Gutters breaking off of the home
- Huge dents and rips in the siding
- Severely broken windows and screens
- Damage to metal fixtures
Add to these chunks of ice, the massive winds of nearly 80 mph, and it can create destruction to all buildings and vehicles.
This type of damage is not uncommon in the Midwest in the springtime months. Massive storms of this magnitude occur when the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with the dry, cooler air from the Rockies. When these two different conditions combine, devastating storms are the result and sweep their way across the plains.
Total Exteriors
When massive storms pound local communities, and damages require repair, trust the roofing professionals at Total Exteriors in Des Moines. We understand the devastation that can occur to homes and businesses and are ready to assist you in bringing the quality of your beautiful home back to its former glory. If you are suffering from damage caused by this massive storm, don’t wait. Call today and let’s begin a plan to restore your home.
