Powerful winds swept across Iowa today, easing somewhat after prompting a High Wind Warning earlier in the day. While gusts have begun to taper, the storm’s strongest blasts reached nearly hurricane strength in parts of the state.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff said several locations recorded peak gusts close to 70 miles per hour. Carroll measured the highest so far at 68 mph, while Des Moines topped out at 66 mph. Other areas in western Iowa, near the Nebraska and South Dakota borders, saw gusts up to 69 mph.

Despite the intensity, no serious injuries have been reported. The winds did cause travel issues, including multiple semitrailers blown onto their sides along Interstates 35 and 80. Falling tree limbs also brought down power lines in scattered areas, leadin

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