National Weather Service Reports 80-90 MPH Winds from December 15th Storms

The National Weather Service says winds as strong as 80 to 90 miles per hour were reported as thunderstorms moved through northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa on December 15th.

The large-scale weather event rolled through the Central Plains and Upper Midwest bringing tornadoes, dust storms, wildfires, and snow across several central and northern states. Record high temperatures were set across the region.

Several locations around the area reported wind gusts above 50 MPH with St. Joseph peaking at 52 MPH. Once the line of storms arrived, several areas reported winds in excess of 75 MPH. The Kansas City Downtown Airport reached a peak gust of 77MPH. This resulted in the roof damage to a few airport buildings. Numerous trees and power poles fell across much of eastern Kansas and western Missouri. Several homes and buildings were damaged across northern Missouri including missing shingles, peeled siding, and blown out windows.

Roof damage to an airport building at the Kansas City Downtown Airport. Photo from Broadcast Media via NWS.
Trees snapped in Brookfield, MO. Social media photo via NWS.
Hail stones measured in Rock Port, MO during evening thunderstorms. Social media photo via NWS.
NWS graphic