Cresco-New Hampton-Postville, IA - August 12, 1999

Rory Groves and I headed southeast from the Twin Cities on U.S. 52, as northeast Iowa looked to be the best spot for severe storm development within driving range.  0-1 km helicity was impressive, but there was a substantial cap to overcome.   Eventually, storms did fire immediately to our southwest, but things were really mushy looking for a while.  Apparently, the lapse rate really wasn't very steep (almost as poor as moist adiabatic above 700 mb).

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Storm to our east from our perspective in New Hampton, Iowa.

 

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This picture taken by Rory Groves.  Backlit storms at sunset.  Storm to the left becomes severe-warned, producing 3/4" hail.

 

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Rory also took this picture of me filming the storm just east of New Hampton.

 

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Another picture by Rory.

 

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Later on, the storms produce a great lightning show after dark.

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