PRAIRIE CITY, Iowa — Storms built up across Iowa on Monday evening as the Des Moines office of the National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes.
The first tornado touched down in Clarke County as an EF1, lasting from 12:38 to 12:46 a.m. Estimated winds peaked between 95 to 100 mph.
The second tornado touched down in Jasper County as an EF0 at 1:35 a.m., staying on the ground for only one minute.
Current levels of damage are being evaluated as the National Weather Service encourages Iowans to send in any additional reports of other tornadoes that may have touched down overnight.
Jasper County EMA Director Jamey Robinson discussed how Iowans can stay alert when impending weather could be potentially dangerous.
"Weather radio is the go-to ... Jasper Alerts or the Iowa Alerts system, people can sign up on any mobile device and have those alerts sent directly to your phone." Robinson said.
These alerts, which are sent out by the National Weather Service, are set up so that you only will receive them if you are within the designated area that the alert affects.
While there was minimal damage overall, that doesn't mean that there weren't issues to deal with.
"The Public Works team here in Prairie City was out today clearing a couple trees that fell into the road," Robinson said.
As the trend of severe weather continues, Robinson urged Iowans to do what they can to remain vigilant.
"It's off to quite the start (the severe weather season)... sign up for those weather alerts, get that weather radio if you can, and just be weather aware," he said.
Jasper County residents can create an account for these alerts here.