This Day in Weather History May 8

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

2003: A severe thunderstorm produced very large hail and extensive damage along a path through Wayne, Appanoose, and Mahaska counties. Hail stones of great size were reported ranging up to 4.75 inches in diameter north of Oskaloosa.

1990: A heavy thunderstorm dropped more than 5 inches of rain at Boone, flooding basements and leaving some areas under 4 feet of water.

1988: At least 22 tornadoes touched down across Iowa on Mother’s Day, May 8th. Most of the tornadoes affected rural areas and fortunately there were no deaths. Severe thunderstorms also resulted in widespread reports of large hail and strong winds, especially in eastern portions of the state.

1964: Very strong winds gusted to 60 to 75 mph across most of Iowa and as high as 85 mph at Des Moines causing widespread blowing dust. In general the first 8 days or so of May 1964 were very windy and the resulting dust storms were acclaimed as the worst since the 1930s.

Source: National Weather Service