National Weather Service Confirms Tornado Hit Cedar Rapids
The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado hit parts of the city of Cedar Rapids Monday night.
Many of the specifics of the Labor Day tornado are still to be revealed, such as when it first touched down and long it was on the ground. The National Weather Service does confirm their preliminary report believes it was an EF-1 tornado, with winds estimated at 100 miles-per-hour. Power poles and trees were toppled on the city's northwest side. This video shows some of the damage left behind last night as electrical crews began attempts to restore power along O Avenue NW Monday evening.
CBS 2's Nick Stewart posted the radar loop from last night below. I live in northeast Cedar Rapids and we received about two inches of rain from that single storm, along with some small hail. Thankfully, that was it. Our thoughts are certainly with everyone affected by last night's storms as well as those dealing with flooding. Unfortunately, more heavy rains are possible tonight and Wednesday.
The Cedar River in Cedar Rapids is forecast to crest at 16.5 feet on Thursday, but that will likely change in the next 48 hours. Preparations are already underway for a major flood. More on closures HERE. Let's hope the river doesn't go any higher.