Brief Tornado Touches Down in Sheldon, Iowa on May 31st

On Friday afternoon, May 31st, the tranquil town of Sheldon, Iowa, experienced an unexpected and brief encounter with severe weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that a tornado touched down, causing notable damage but fortunately resulting in no injuries or fatalities.

The tornado made its presence known near the Crossroads Pavilion Event Center, a community hub in Sheldon. From there, it tracked northwest for just under a mile before dissipating north of the RiseFest Festival Grounds. Despite its short path, the tornado managed to leave a mark, particularly at Southwest Wholesale RV and several other points in eastern Sheldon.

The Damage

As the tornado moved through the area, it peeled off roof panels from three different buildings. This kind of damage is typical for a tornado rated as an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. An EF0 tornado, characterized by wind speeds between 65 and 85 miles per hour, is considered weak but can still cause significant property damage. Additionally, multiple recreational vehicles were flipped by the tornado’s winds, highlighting the storm’s sudden and intense nature.

The Aftermath

Residents and local authorities quickly assessed the damage. The scene at Southwest Wholesale RV was particularly striking, with overturned campers and buildings stripped of their roofing panels. The swift response from the community and emergency services ensured that the area was secured and further risks mitigated.