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Washington Evening Journal
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Tornado memories
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The New London community was struck by a tornado one year ago April 16. The National Weather Service released the following information.
- A widespread severe weather event, including hail, winds, and two tornadoes occurred across eastern Iowa, northeast Missouri, and far western Illinois between 1 PM and 10 PM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
- NWS Storm Damage Survey teams confirmed at least two tornadoes occurred.
- A long-track EF2 in southeast Iowa near the towns of Houghton, Salem, New London, Yarmouth, and Morning Sun, that damaged numerous structures on a path around 42 miles long. An EF-1 tornado northwest of Cedar Rapids near the towns of Quasqueton and Winthrop.
- A survey team also determined that damage in Aledo, Illinois was due to straight-line winds.
- No injuries were reported with these storms
Summary: An NWS survey team confirmed a long-track EF2 tornado Tuesday afternoon in southeast Iowa. The tornado developed just southwest of Houghton, Iowa in Lee County. Significant damage to homes, trees, and outbuildings was observed. The worst damage occurred at a farmstead north of New London in Henry County, where the roof was removed from a brick house, one of the exterior walls collapsed, and the garage was destroyed. Numerous out buildings were also destroyed at nearby farmsteads. Maximum winds were estimated around 130 mph. The tornado continued into northwest Des Moines County and caused additional damage at several farmsteads southeast of Yarmouth.
Public video confirmed that the tornado continued northeast into Louisa County, where a vehicle was blown off the road just east of Morning Sun. The tornado then damaged trees near the Port Louisa National Wildlife refuge, and finally lifted near the confluence of the Iowa and Mississippi Rivers.
The tornado had a maximum path width around 600 yards. The tornado path length was around 42 miles. There were no injuries.
This was the longest path length of a tornado in the NWS Quad Cities County Warning Area since April 27, 2014.
The facts are dry. The reality is no one will forget where they were at the time of the tornado, how worried they were and the wonderful response of the community. The High School filled buses with students and proceeded to help clean up. They arrived as soon as possible after the area was determined to be safe.
Burge Cemetery was heavily damaged. Jesse Howard released the following notes His thoughts show how difficult it is to deal with the entire disaster. The memories of the loss and destruction contain the heartbreak felt at the time. At the same time, the tornado brought out the best in people and much of the aftermath has been positive.
Jesse shares the following words with our readers.
“In the wake of this tragedy, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community. Donations, volunteer labor, and the generous lending of equipment and monetary donations have been instrumental in our recovery efforts. Thanks to this collective spirit, we have made remarkable strides in restoring Burge Cemetery.
We are proud to announce that by the end of April we will complete a new, beautiful veterans memorial. Last year we planted 16 new trees, and built of larger, sturdier shed to withstand future challenges. Our team has replaced our tractor and reset all toppled headstones and began the challenge of restoring 30 historical headstones dating back to the 1800s.
Furthermore, our dedicated volunteers have GPS-located 91% of all memorials, ensuring that future generations can pay their respect with ease. We've also laid a beautiful new road in the Northeast section of the cemetery, preparing for future burials and enhancing accessibility.
On behalf of the entire Burge Cemetery Association Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us during this challenging year. Your donations, prayers, and encouragement have been vital in helping us restore the beauty of Burge Cemetery.
While the road to recovery has been filled with hard work, stress, and dedication, our 100% volunteer team has never wavered in their commitment. We could not have achieved this without your dedicated support.
Thank you for standing with us to preserve Burge Cemetery.”
Each and every survivor of this event shares Jesse’s feelings. Some buildings will never be restored but the help cleaning sites and finding mementos will not be forgotten. There is still work to be done. New London’s history of assistance will continue even greater. The community remains grateful that the storm did not track further east and hit major parts of town. Looking back, it is incredible that no injuries or loss of life occurred. Hopefully there will never be another close call.
