Alburnett, Iowa – A powerful EF-2 tornado tore through portions of Linn County on Friday afternoon, carving a 6.8-mile path north of Alburnett and just west-southwest of Central City, toppling trees and downing power lines.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, the tornado touched down at 3:46 p.m. CDT on July 11, with peak winds estimated at 120 mph. The storm traveled northeast for just over seven minutes, reaching a maximum width of 300 yards. Emergency managers and NWS crews confirmed extensive tree and minor structural damage along the track, but no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Residents in the Alburnett and Central City area described heavy tree damage, downed utility poles, and several outbuildings destroyed—especially along country roads north of the tornado’s path. Some homes reported shingle loss and broken windows, while debris temporarily blocked sections of County Road D62 and nearby rural routes.
Officials advise Linn County residents to stay clear of damaged areas while crews restore power and remove debris. Those using generators should ensure proper ventilation, and anyone clearing trees is urged to wear safety gear. NWS notes this is the strongest tornado to strike Linn County since 2021.
The tornado threat has passed, but storm cleanup may continue for several days. NWS will issue additional updates if further damage is discovered.
